Gerodontology in Belgium

In Belgium, like in many other European countries, demographic changes and a significant increase in the number of disabled older people till 2050 simply that fundamental adjustments will need to be made to the (oral) healthcare system. A national survey reported inadequate oral health in these vulnerable older people. In the long term, the most important future challenge when it comes to oral healthcare policies is to identify older adults before they start to manifest oral health deterioration. Regular dental visits should be strongly promoted by all (oral) healthcare workers, especially for adults aged 55 years or older.