Is dental education in step with current geriatric health promotion initiatives?

As dramatic changes in U.S. society continue to stress our health care system, we must consider new strategies to meet the oral health needs of older individuals. Several recent national initiatives, including the Healthy People 2000 health objectives and the Surgeon General's Workshop on Health Promotion and Aging, provide measurable health objectives and suggestions for educational activities in the area of geriatric oral health promotion. Using these and other recent documents like "Practitioners for 2005, An Agenda for Action for U.S. Health Professional Schools," we can evaluate current educational programs in geriatric dentistry, as well plan programs and health promotional activities that meet the future needs of dental professionals and the patients they serve.