Oral health disparities among the 65+ age group.

This article examines oral health disparities among Israelis aged 65 and older at the onset of a 2019 dental care reform that introduced Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for older adults. The study, based on telephone interviews with 512 community-dwelling older adults, found that those in lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups had poorer self-perceived oral health, higher rates of edentulism, fewer natural teeth, and more dental problems compared to higher SES groups. Barriers to dental care in lower SES populations included cost, lack of awareness of the importance of routine preventive dental visits, and limited knowledge of their legal entitlements under UHC. The authors suggest that alongside UHC, targeted efforts such as awareness campaigns and active involvement of dental practitioners are needed to reduce disparities and improve oral health outcomes among socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority older adults.