Dental Management of Patients with Cognitive Impairment

As our population ages, dental professionals across Canada are increasingly caring for patients with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These patients present unique challenges, including problems with communication, mood and behavioural changes, and confusion.

In this CDA Oasis presentation, Dr. Nicholas Tong, Assistant Professor at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry, Division of Dental Geriatrics, discusses key considerations in managing patients with cognitive impairment. Dr. Tong shares a framework for assessing a patient’s competence to provide informed consent and provides practical resources to help improve their quality of life.

Helpful links:

• • • CDA Website: Alzheimer’s and Dementia
    • Geriatric Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review of How to Manage the Aging Patient | Faculty of Dentistry
    • Home | UBC Geriatric Dentistry Program
    • About the GPR Program | Faculty of Dentistry
    • Current Concepts in Dentistry | Continuing Studies at UVic

Reference articles:

• • • Hartshorn et al. 2023- Letter Response to Ethical moment in Geriatrics
    • Applebaum 2007- Assessment of Patients' Competence to Consent to Treatment
    • Marchini 2019- Oral health care for patients with Alzheimer's disease
    • Palo 2023- Ethical Obligations treating a patient with questionable decision making capacity
    • BCDA 2018- Clearing the Haze: Managing Care for Seniors with Cognitive Impairment