Table 3 The frequency of the responses given by the dentists to the attitude questions

1

It’s pleasant to spend time with most older adults.

1.3

22.7

18.7

46.7

10.7

2

If I have a choice, I prefer to visit younger patients more than older adults.

2.0

15.3

20.7

51.3

10.7

3

The community has to care for and support older adults.

0.7

12.0

5.3

47.3

34.7

4

Providing medical care for older adults consumes too many human and material resources.

10.7

49.3

14.7

14.0

11.4

5

As people get older, they become more confused.

4.0

40.7

13.3

35.3

6.7

6

Elderly patients appreciate the medical care I provide more than younger patients.

1.3

20.7

20.7

39.3

18.0

7

Obtaining a medical history from elderly patients is often a challenge

14.7

49.3

12.0

18.7

5.3

8

I tend to have more attention and sympathy towards my elderly patients (than young patients).

2.0

12.7

22.7

45.3

17.4

9

Older adults generally do not contribute much to the community.

18.7

56.7

12.7

10.0

2.0

10

Treatment of elderly patients with chronic diseases is hopeless.

10.7

38.0

30.0

20.7

0.7

11

Older adults cannot pay enough for their health expenses.

10.0

43.3

10.0

26.0

11.0

12

Older adults are generally kike speed bumps in modern society.

18.0

46.0

22.7

8.7

4.6

13

It is interesting to listen to older people’s accounts of their past experiences.

3.3

16.7

5.3

50.0

24.7

14

Older adults do not add much to the community.

20.0

52.0

14.0

8.7

5.3

15

A part of the health expenses of older adults should be spent by the government on pediatric patients and AIDS research.

42.7

34.7

6.7

8.0

8.0

16

In the future, general dentists must have the ability to treat older adults to provide the best possible care for the elderly population.

1.3

18.7

18.7

34.0

27.3

17

Prevention of oral diseases in older adults is not economically profitable for the dentist.

8.3

47.3

25.3

11.3

7.4