5.14.7. Future developments

Access to oral health services is limited by factors such as the availability of providers. However, people without health insurance, ageing people, deprived communities are not only less likely to receive health coverage but also less likely to get the necessary dental care. More directed efforts are needed to assure adequate oral health care for indigent, institutionalized and homebound older adults. Some efforts have been made to accommodate the service delivery system to the needs of older adults, but more consistent attention needs to be given to reaching out and meeting. The overall quality of life of any individual particularly an older one, can be enhanced through oral diseases prevention and health promotion. In oral health, an important cornerstone for maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. Prosthetic treatment is not uniquely limited to technical aspects. Indeed, it includes multidimensional aspects of patient perceived needs, desires and expectations. A surveillance system based on a sociodental approach to help determine patient’s needs in order to assure safe and effective practice in dentistry and treatment decision making is absolutely necessary.