Optimizing Oral Health in Older Adults

This module discusses the dental and nutritional risks in older adults.

Learning Objectives

Describe the South Florida older adult populations at greater risk for dental disease.
Identify causes of dental diseases and related nutrition consequences associated with four common systemic diseases in the older adult population.
Recall evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat dental disease and nutrient intake problems in the older adult population.
Recall three community resources which provide dental and nutrition services to patients and health care professionals.

Handouts

Optimizing Oral Health in Older Adults

Melinda Luis, M.S., RD, LDN Melinda earned her M.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University and is currently working on her Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Florida. Her early career involved clinical practice in hospital and extended care settings. Her graduate work emphasized eating and cognitive challenges in older adults. She enjoys exploring the nutritional patterns of culturally diverse populations worldwide and created a unique course at NSU on world culture, food and nutrition. Her teaching experience ranges from cooking and nutrition skill classes for children to extensive work in higher education. For fun, Melinda enjoys family time, relaxing at the beach, and scrapbooking.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3.5M with 25% financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents of this website are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.