Table 2 Respondents’ answers to their perceived knowledge, attitudes, and barriers in providing oral care to older people
Questions | Totally Disagree | Partially Disagree | Neutral | Partially Agree | Totally Agree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
N (%) | N (%) | N (%) | N (%) | N (%) | |
K1—Physical, psychological, and social aspects may influence decision-making considering oral healthcare for older people | 7(1.7) | 9(2.1) | 28(6.7) | 91(21.6) | 286(67.9) |
K2—I have sufficient knowledge of the (adverse) effects of medicines commonly used by older people | 31(7.4) | 98(23.3) | 72(17.1) | 135(32.1) | 85(20.2) |
K3—I am capable of providing oral healthcare to cognitively impaired seniors | 23(5.5) | 78(18.5) | 77(18.3) | 158(37.5) | 85(20.2) |
K4—Dental medicine studies should pay more attention to the acquisition of sufficient knowledge and skills in the treatment of older people | 2(0.5) | 1(0.2) | 14(3.3) | 40(9.5) | 364(86.5) |
K5—Oral hygiene is a prerequisite for preventing oral health problems in older people | 2(0.5) | 2(0.5) | 27(6.4) | 55(13.1) | 335(79.6) |
A1—Each dentist is responsible for providing proper oral healthcare to older people who are unable to leave their home, but who have previously regularly come to their practice. | 9(2.1) | 110(26.1) | 103(24.5) | 153(36.3) | 46(10.9) |
A2—I am prepared to do a regular dental examination to an old and infirm person via a home visit | 24.5(103) | 16.9(71) | 11.4(48) | 123(29.2) | 76(18.1) |
A3—I have repeatedly experienced that at some point frail older people stopped coming for regular check-ups (appointments) | 1.4(6) | 02.9(12) | 21.6(91) | 115(27.3) | 197(46.8) |
A4—from the dentist’s point of view, treating older adults is not very challenging | 13.5(57) | 21.6(91) | 97)23.0) | 95(22.6) | 81(19.2) |
B1—Possibilities for referrals of older people with complex oral health problems to fellow specialists are limited | 13.8(58) | 34.2(144) | 51(12.1) | 97(23.0) | 71(16.9) |
B2—Providing oral healthcare to older people is difficult because of its complexity and practical obstacles | 2.6(11) | 011.6(49) | 54(12.8) | 155(36.8) | 152(36.1) |
B3—The reimbursement for providing oral health care to older people is insufficient | 11.9(50) | 35.6(150) | 90(21.4) | 102(24.2) | 29(6.9) |
B4—The institution (dental office) where I practice is easily accessible to older people (no major obstacles) | 4.8(20) | 24.2(102) | 39(9.3) | 111(26.4) | 149(35.4) |
B5—Usually, the provision of oral healthcare to older people involves various technical limitations | 1.7(7) | 6.4(27) | 57(13.5) | 195(46.3) | 135(32.1) |
B6—I find that insufficient reimbursement for the provision of oral healthcare to older people is a barrier to the professional commitment to this particular group of patients | 44.9(189) | 22.3(94) | 65(15.4) | 45(10.7) | 28(6.7) |