The delivery of dental care for elderly handicapped patients

There are three basic modes of delivering dental care to elderly handicapped patients:

1. 1. As outpatients requiring transport. Treated by general dental practitioners, the community dental service or as hospital outpatients.

2. 2. In a simple clinic within an institution.

3. 3. Domiciliary treatment including visits by a dentist to unequipped wards or institutions.

In many cases, the choice between different modes of delivery depends upon the treatment needed, venue, services, equipment and facilities available, as well as cost and attitudes of those involved.

Data from use of all three modes is presented and is related to the physical, medical and mental state of the patients and to the factors which contribute to the cost-effectiveness of treatment.