James D. Beck

Removable prosthodontic treatment needs: A survey

Population data on complete and removable partial prosthodontics in Iowa indicated the following. Denture wearers tend to be persons in the older age groups. The percentage of edentulous persons was lower than that reported nationally in 1971. Of every 1,000 persons, 156 were wearing dentures in one or both arches. Of every 1,000 persons, 53 needed a repair, reline, or replacement of an existing denture. Of every 1,000 persons, 70 needed a denture but were not wearing one. Persons of lower income and education were less likely to seek dental care but had the greatest need for treatment. Persons of lower income and education were at higher risk of having some form of mucosal lesions. The public will be unlikely to make use of dental services to prevent or treat lesions or to service a prosthesis unless they are specifically educated to do so.

Incidence of tooth loss among elderly Iowans.

This study investigated the 18-month incidence of tooth loss in a random sample of 451 dentate noninstitutionalized Iowans aged 65 and older residing in two rural counties. They had a mean of 19.0 teeth at baseline and lost an average of 0.4 teeth during the subsequent 18 months. Twenty-one per cent of the population lost at least one tooth. Four people had all their teeth extracted. Of the teeth present at baseline, 1.9 per cent subsequently were extracted. The highest incidence of tooth loss occurred among mandibular molars (3.7 per cent), followed by maxillary premolars and canines (3.1 per cent each). The best predictors of tooth loss were previous coronal and root caries.

Geriatrics program for medical students and family practice residents. I. Establishing attitudes toward the aged.

This report concerns the initiation of required experience in geriatrics for undergraduate medical students and a program of research designed to evaluate that experience. Through the use of questionnaires, an attempt was made to differentiate between attitudes toward the elderly and their rehabilitation potential as stated by medical students, family practice residents, and professional and nonprofessional nursing‐home staff members. Important differences were found between professional and nonprofessional groups, but no significant differences among professionals. Implications for the training of professional and nonprofessional staff members are discussed, and further research plans specified.