A Gentle Approach to Dentistry for the Elderly
For many elderly patients, visiting a dentist can feel intimidating. The sounds, smells, and unfamiliar equipment often create anxiety; for those with mobility issues, even reaching a dental clinic can be a challenge. Recognizing these realities, Dr. Smita Athavale has made it her mission to redefine what compassionate dental care means for older adults.
As a leading member of the Association of Geriatric Dentistry (AGeD), Dr. Athavale advocates for a more empathetic, accessible, and holistic approach to dental treatment. Her work emphasizes that caring for elderly patients is not just about fixing teeth but about understanding the person behind the smile.
Redefining Comfort in Dental Practice
Dr. Athavale believes that comfort should be the foundation of every dental interaction with a senior patient. Many older adults live with chronic illnesses, joint pain, or reduced mobility; therefore, dental care must adapt to their physical and emotional needs.
“Comfort is not a luxury for elderly patients; it is a necessity,” she says. “When a patient feels safe and respected, treatment outcomes automatically improve.”
In her practice, Dr. Athavale ensures that everything — from the seating position to communication style — is tailored to the patient’s condition. She encourages clinics to create calm, accessible environments with proper lighting, easy seating, and a patient-first attitude.
The Holistic Model of Elderly Care
Dr. Athavale’s approach extends beyond clinical treatment. She promotes a holistic model that includes physical, psychological, and social well-being. This model focuses on three key principles:
1. Empathy: Taking time to listen to patients and understand their comfort levels, fears, and expectations.
2. Accessibility: Providing dental care for bedridden or home-bound individuals through home visits or portable dental setups.
3. Integration: Working with physicians, caregivers, and family members to ensure continuity of care and proper follow-up.
She believes that when dental professionals view elderly patients as complete individuals rather than as clinical cases, the quality of care improves dramatically.
Addressing Psychological Barriers to Care
One of the biggest challenges in geriatric dentistry is overcoming psychological hesitation. Many elderly individuals avoid treatment because they feel it is “too late” to fix their teeth or because they fear pain and cost.
Dr. Athavale emphasizes the importance of reassurance and clear communication. “Dentistry for seniors is about restoring dignity as much as function,” she explains. “Even small procedures — like adjusting dentures or cleaning oral tissues — can bring immense relief and confidence.”
By taking extra time to explain procedures and showing empathy, dentists can reduce fear and build trust with older patients.
Promoting Inclusivity in Dental Practice
Dr. Athavale is deeply involved in AGeD’s initiatives that promote inclusivity and accessibility in oral healthcare. Her outreach work includes training caregivers and dental teams to manage elderly patients more sensitively.
She is particularly passionate about improving dental care for:
● Bedridden patients, who often face oral infections due to neglect.
● Home-bound individuals, who cannot travel to clinics.
● Residents of assisted living centers, where routine dental hygiene is often overlooked.
Through workshops and educational programs, she helps dental professionals adapt their techniques to the specific needs of these vulnerable groups.
A Message to Dental Professionals
Dr. Athavale encourages all dental practitioners to adopt a compassionate mindset. Technical skill is essential, but without empathy, true healing cannot occur.
She advises dentists to:
● Offer flexible appointments for older adults.
● Train staff to assist patients with mobility challenges.
● Collaborate with AGeD to organize community outreach and awareness drives.
These simple changes can make dental care more inclusive and meaningful.
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Final Thought
Holistic dental care for the elderly is not just about oral health; it is about respect, patience, and human connection. Dr. Smita Athavale’s philosophy embodies the heart of AGeD’s mission — bringing comfort, accessibility, and dignity to every elderly patient.
Her approach reminds us that the true measure of success in dentistry is not just technical excellence but the ability to touch lives with empathy.
To learn more about AGeD’s initiatives in inclusive elderly dental care or to collaborate on caregiver programs, visit ageddentistry.org. Together, we can make dental care more humane, holistic, and accessible for India’s seniors.
Please connect our Team : https://ageddentistry.org/#team