JOHNSTON, IOWA (August 21, 2019) — Did you know that Americans ages 65-74 are keeping their teeth longer? In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of American Dental Association in January 2019, complete tooth-loss has decreased more than 75 percent over the past 50 years for this age group. It seems terrific on the surface, until you realize that many of these adults do not have dental-insurance coverage or access to dental-care due to poverty or other barriers. Five years ago, a public-private partnership of 25 members called the Lifelong Smiles Coalition united to increase access to oral health-care for older Iowans. Recently, members of the partnership gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the coalition and to plan for the future. The group consists of state agencies, advocacy organizations, trade associations, health professionals, academic institutions, and funders. The Lifelong Smiles Coalition worked toward specific goals that included:
- The launch of successful pilot programs in Scott and Lee counties that connected caregivers with I-Smile Silver coordinators who trained on preventive oral health-care, increased access, and maintained overall health for homebound and nursing-home residents.
- A grant for Iowa Caregivers from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation for oral health-education for direct-care workers;
- Establishing an Office of Education and Training at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics to coordinate, develop, and evaluate continuing dental-education programs for dentists, hygienists, and assistants, specifically targeting geriatric oral health-care.
Over the past five years, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation has provided the backbone of collaboration and support as well as $1.5 million in funding for the Lifelong Smiles Coalition efforts. Going forward, the Coalition will continue to collaborate to help older Iowans access oral health-care and to educate direct care-givers on the needs of this important population of Iowans.
