DE's Business Lab: Adapting care to aging patients

As a big chunk of the population ages, many of your aging patients' oral care needs will evolve. Sonya Dunbar, RDH, aka the Geriatric Tooth Fairy, is available to help dental professionals adapt to those needs.

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Oct. 20, 2021

I recently chatted with Sonya Dunbar, MHA, RDH, aka the Geriatric Tooth Fairy. She’s made it her mission to help the aging population with their changing oral health, as well as educate dental professionals on how to help this population transition their oral health needs as they age.

Sonya has what she calls the Net Program, which means catching patients in the part of life when they’re transitioning from independence to needing assistance. Dental professionals can make note of these changes and begin to adapt their approaches to care. This often involves educating family members or long-term care facility staff about someone’s oral care routine.

Dental professionals have a responsibility to help their older patients maintain their oral care, which will of course lead to better overall health as they age.

Sonya offers several online courses for dental teams at sonyadunbar.com to learn how to prepare for patients in their later years. Listen to more of the Geriatric Tooth Fairy’s insights here. those needsThis article originally appeared in DE Weekend newsletter. To subscribe visit dentaleconomics..com/subscribe..

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano, DMD

Chief Editor of Dental Economics

Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].