Individuals living in long-term care (LTC) facilities or receiving in-home care (IHC), are significantly more likely to have poorer oral health status compared to individuals living independently. Despite this increased risk, provision of dental services in LTC settings is limited. As the Baby Boomer Generation ages into LTC, the number of individuals requiring dental care in LTC settings will rise. The supply of dentists is projected to increase; however, enormous barriers to dental care continue to exist for the poor, elderly, and institutionalized population despite evidence of unused workforce capacity in the dental system.

This report examines the current and changing practice models utilized in providing dental services in long-term care (LTC), residential care, and for homebound individuals through 4 state case studies.