F20: We’re Not Getting Any Younger: Making Sense of Geriatric Physiology and Pathology

Modern medicine is allowing patients to live longer but often not better than ever before.  Modern dental practitioners are tasked to provide care for elders with increasingly complex medical conditions and their associated treatments.  This lecture explores physiology germane to older Americans that can aid dental professionals in caring for this vulnerable and growing segment of the population.

Educational Objectives:

• Review physiologic changes that occur during aging
• Present demographic data on aging and consider some expected implications to dental practice 
• Review some relevant biomarkers important for treating geriatric patients
• Discuss several common medical conditions associated with aging
• Apply all of the above principles to elevate the care of geriatric practice in dental offices