Non-clinical information obtained by dentists during initial examinations of older adult patients

The authors sent a questionnaire to a random sample of general dentists in Ontario, Canada, to assess the types of non‐clinical information (NCI) dentists usually obtain during initial examinations of older patients. From a list of 11 NCI questions, dentists indicated which questions they usually asked during new patient examinations. The adjusted response rate was 34% (n = 672). Respondents most often asked about pain and satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and/or dentures. About half the respondents asked about oral dryness and whether problems with chewing had limited food choices. Respondents were least likely to ask about problems with speaking and avoidance of eating with others because of chewing problems. Traits of those who asked the least common NCI questions typically including continuing education courses in geriatric dentistry, self‐perceived competence in treating elderly adults living in institutional settings. exposure to geriatric outreach settings during dental school and greater dentist involvement in patient history taking.