Current Concepts in Dentistry Day 4

Course description

Updates in Geriatric Dentistry for the General Dentist: Managing Complex Older Adults

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Presented by Nicholas Tong, BHSc, DDS, MSc, FSCD, FACD 

The North American population is aging and most dental practices have significant portions of their patient pool over the age of 65. There is great clinical heterogeneity amongst older adults, ranging from functionally independent, to frail and functionally dependent. Multimorbidity, polypharmacy and frailty contribute to functional decline in older adults and increase the risk of rapid oral health deterioration.

Declines in cognition can affect patient co-operation for dental procedures, consent and daily oral hygiene. Managing the dental needs of frail and functionally dependent older adults presents numerous clinical challenges, including treatment planning and delivery.

In this session, practical tips will be discussed for managing common clinical scenarios in complex older adults, with a focus on skills that can be used in private practice. 

Learning objectives

By end of the course, you will be able to:

• Describe the impact of cognitive decline, multimorbidity, and frailty on oral health
• Describe practical skills that clinicians can use chair side to foster a positive experience for frail and functionally dependent older adults in the operatory
• Describe practical skills that dental administrative teams can use to create a positive office experience for older adults
• Employ clinical techniques to manage root caries in older adults
• Evaluate various treatment plans for medically complex older adults in the setting of rapid oral health deterioration

About the presenter

Nicholas Tong, BHSc, DDS, MSc, FSCD, FACD is an assistant professor of teaching at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry in the Division of Prosthodontics and Dental Geriatrics. He is the program director for the UBC General Practice Residency. 

Dr. Tong graduated with a BHSc degree from McMaster University, a DDS degree from the University of Toronto, a GPR certificate from the University of Alberta Hospital, and a MSc (Craniofacial Science) degree from UBC. He is a staff dentist with the UBC Geriatric Dentistry program, treating frail and functionally dependent patients in long-term care.

Dr. Tong is chair of the Geriatric Dentistry Committee with the British Columbia Dental Association, a fellow with the Special Care Dentistry Association and American College of Dentists, and a director at large with the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry.