Access to dental care and psychosocial well-being among aging Canadians

Project Summary

In 2017, the demographic shift in Canada saw a population aged 65 and above surpassing the population of children. Psychosocial well-being is a key outcome for healthy aging. Statistics Canada reported a decline in access to dental care in Canada’s older population. Access to dental care is crucial for a healthy mouth that enables older adults to eat, chew and socialize thereby contributing to their quality of life and psychosocial well-being. The distribution of dentists in a geographical area has been suggested to contribute to population oral health, however, whether it can contribute to the psychosocial well-being of older adults through enhancing oral health is unknown. Evaluating these relationships helps improve access to dental care and inform targeted interventions, potential resource allocation, and policy changes to improve dental care accessibility and promote the overall health of Canadians around aging.