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Órgano Oficial de la Asociación Dental Mexicana

2026, Number 2

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Rev ADM 2026; 83 (2)

Ageism against older adults in dental education: impact on clinical practice and oral health.

Uribe-Rosales DD

Language: Spanish
References: 22
Page: 92-98
PDF size: 378.19 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Ageism (discrimination against older adults) is a phenomenon present in society and health services, including dentistry. In this field, it can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate care, and the underestimation of older patients' specific needs, negatively affecting their oral health and quality of life. This paper examines the presence of ageism in dental education, its clinical implications, and the need to assess it through specific scales that identify students' attitudes and behaviors toward this population. The scientific literature is reviewed regarding the consequences of ageism in dental practice, including the low detection of oral cancer, inequities in prosthetic rehabilitation, and limited access to specialized treatments. Strategies implemented in Latin America are described, such as prevention campaigns and teledentistry, which have shown benefits in the care of older adults. In the educational field, the integration of content on aging and professional ethics into dental curricula is proposed, along with the development of awareness workshops and the use of innovative technologies to foster active learning. It is concluded that addressing ageism at the university level is essential to train dentists with an inclusive, ethical, and evidence-based approach, capable of meeting the challenges of an aging population.


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