As people age, oral health becomes a foundational element of systemic health and quality of life, far exceeding simple dental concerns. Older adults often struggle to articulate oral discomfort, allowing diseases to progress untreated. Pain or missing teeth make chewing difficult, leading to nutritional deficiencies that trigger a downward spiral in overall physical health.
To break this cycle, the Daegu Dental Association, led by President Heo Young-ju, partnered with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk branch of the Korean Dental Hygienists Association. On the 13th, the coalition visited Arboretum Silvertown, a long-term care facility in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, to deliver preventive oral healthcare directly to elderly residents.
The initiative specifically targeted seniors with severe mobility limitations who face significant barriers to visiting traditional dental clinics. The visiting medical team provided comprehensive oral examinations, tailored consultations, and specialized hygiene management on site.
Daegu Dental Association Vice Presidents Son Seong-il and Kang Dong-hwa directly evaluated residents' oral conditions, stressing the necessity of timely medical intervention. Concurrently, dental hygienists conducted detailed diagnostic evaluations, including tongue-coating index measurements, salivary gland function tests, and speech assessments. They also performed professional denture cleaning and provided personalized, one-on-one hygiene instruction for denture wearers.
Empowering Caregivers for Sustainable Maintenance
A key highlight of the program was its focus on training the facility's caregiving staff. Recognizing that long-term oral health requires consistent daily care, the dental team provided practical, hands-on instruction for facility workers. Caregivers learned proper toothbrushing techniques, correct denture handling, and strategies for managing xerostomia (dry mouth) in elderly patients.
Building on the success of the initiative, the Daegu Dental Association announced plans to establish a permanent, prevention-focused oral healthcare framework for medically vulnerable seniors and underserved populations.
The NHIS Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Headquarters expressed interest in expanding the program nationwide while laying an institutional foundation through a community oral health consultative body and a practical manual for long-term care workers.
"This visit demonstrates the strong potential of an integrated oral health management model," said Heo Young-ju. "By moving beyond clinic-confined treatment to involve long-term care facilities, care workers, and the broader community, we can truly safeguard senior health."
