Using Desensitization Programs to Promote Dental Exam Compliance in Older Adults with Dementia: A Proposed Study

Abstract

By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 13 million Americans will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease (Herbet et al., 2003) Individuals with Dementia often refuse dental care, leading to poor oral health and other negative health outcomes. One approach to aid dental exam compliance is the application of desensitization intervention techniques. The proposed study will utilize graduated exposure, positive reinforcement, and reinforcement fading methods to facilitate dental exam compliance in individuals with Dementia.