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By Stacie Crozier

Watch your mailbox for exciting new educational materials that will help you address the oral health care needs of older adults—the fastest-growing patient population group in the nation.

The September issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association contains two special features—a 56-page supplement, "Oral Health and the Aging Population," and the new OralLongevity Brochure and Oral Health DVD education program aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of good oral health throughout life.

The special JADA supplement, the brochure and the DVD are three elements of the multifaceted three-year OralLongevity campaign, made possible through an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. GSK Consumer Healthcare has partnered with the ADA and the ADA Foundation to create educational resources and innovative programs targeted to the special needs of older adults.

"One of the shared goals of all humanity is to grow old with dignity," said Dr. Kathleen Roth, ADA president, and Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni, ADA Foundation president, in the supplement's opening letter. "We as dentists have the knowledge and skills to help make that happen for the older adults in our communities. And now, thanks to the OralLongevity campaign, we also have the tools."

The JADA supplement, under the guidance of guest editor Dr. Ronald L. Ettinger, professor, Department of Prosthodontics and Dows Institute for Dental Research, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, includes articles covering topics that especially affect older adults:

• "Oral Health and the Aging Population," by Dr. Ettinger.
• "The Influence of Systemic Diseases on Oral Health Care in Older Adults," by Dr. Crispian Scully, dean and director, University College London Eastman Dental Institute; and Dr. Ettinger.
• "Dry Mouth and its Effects on the Oral Health of Elderly People," by Dr. Michael D. Turner, assistant professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry; and Dr. Jonathan A. Ship, professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, New York University College of Dentistry; professor, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine; and director, Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry.
• "A New Look at Erosive Tooth Wear in Elderly People," by Dr. David Bartlett, professor and head, Prosthodontics, King's College, London Dental Institute.
• "The Epidemiology, Consequences and Management of Periodontal Disease in Older Adults," by Dr. Tobias K. Boehm, research assistant, Department of Oral Biology, and resident, Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine; and Dr. Frank A. Scannapieco, professor and chair, Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
• "Dental Implants: A Role in Geriatric Dentistry for the General Practice?" by Dr. Clark M. Stanford, Centennial Fund Professor for Clinical Research, Dows Institute for Dental Research and Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa.
• "Mucosal Lesions in Older Adults," by Dr. Sol Silverman Jr., professor of Oral Medicine, Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry.
• "Quality of Life as an Indicator of Oral Health in Older People," by Dr. Michael I. MacEntee, professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

The OralLongevity brochure and DVD includes searchable chapters on a variety of oral health topics, such as aging dentition and sensitivity, daily mouth care, nutrition, dry mouth and more. Dental professionals will be able to use the DVD in their offices to educate patients and caregivers on topics targeted to individual patients' needs. They can also refer patients to ADA.org to view the DVD and download the brochure (www.orallongevity.ada.org).

"The goal of OralLongevity is to create a dialogue between patients, caregivers and oral health professionals, said Dr. Ronald Rupp, senior manger of professional relations, GSK Consumer Healthcare. "OralLongevity will help patients understand the importance of regular dental care and help them receive information and guidance from trusted professionals."