Housecall dentists reach a highly underserved population, but mobile dentistry practices aren’t anywhere near as common as brick-and-mortar offices. With the sheer number of elderly, homebound patients in need of dental care, housecall dentistry should be taught in schools so that more dental students can become aware of this career path and obtain the necessary training to pursue it. Geriatric Housecall Dentistry specializes in treating all homebound patients including those with cognitive issues, an increasingly growing and overlooked patient demographic.
Dental Care and the Elderly: Know the Stats
Fifteen percent of the population in the United States is made up of people over 65. That’s over 49 million elderly folks, about out of every seven Americans. Approximately 50 million Americans are suffering from dementia, and the United States sees about 10 million new patients each year. Health experts at the WHO estimate that the dementia population will reach 82 million by 2030 and 153 million by 2050. With these statistics in mind, it’s important to remember that patients in these groups often miss out on dental appointments due to lack of transportation and mobility issues. Housecall dentistry makes dental care accessible to these demographics.
Why House Call Dentistry Should Be Taught in Dental School
There aren’t nearly as many housecall practices as there are traditional, in-office dental practices. This makes it difficult for homebound patients to get access to cleanings, exams, and important dental procedures.
If you want to start or expand your practice, setting up a mobile unit for house calls benefits you and your patients. The underserved, homebound patient demographic gets the care they need, and you can expand your patient roster and build a viable dental practice.
Starting a mobile dental practice requires extensive knowledge of business and marketing on top of the necessary dental education and training. Dental schools are aware of the increasing need for housecall dentistry, so they should provide students with information about marketing, required equipment, business logistics, and communication with caregivers within this career path. Education about housecall dentistry will help students become aware that mobile dentistry is a viable career choice.
Join the Geriatric Housecall Dentistry Network and Start Your Own Practice
You may not have received specific education on housecall dentistry while you were in school, but that’s okay. Fortunately, we will provide training and connect you with patients who need care in your area. We take the guesswork out of starting your mobile practice, and we are committed to helping those who are able and willing to care for homebound patients make a rewarding career for themselves. For a very affordable amount per month, you can start your own practice and join our mission of providing dental care to homebound, elderly patients with dementia.
Find out more by visiting our Geriatric House Call Dentistry Network!
