The ASGD's Mission

"The life span of any civilization can be measured by the respect and care that is given to its elderly citizens, and those societies which treat the elderly with contempt have the seeds of their own destruction within them."
A.Toynbee

By the year 2000, 35 million Americans - more than one in six - will be 65 years of age or older,. In most general dental practices the proportion of older adults is even greater, and the elderly account for a higher percentage of practice income with each passing year. The American Society for Geriatric Dentistry (ASGD) is committed to a mission of improving the oral health of older adults.

Why ASGD?

The dental needs of the elderly are changing and growing too. The management of older patients requires not only an understanding of the medical and dental aspects of aging, but also of many other factors such as ambulation, independent living, socialization, and sensory function. Many barriers may interfere with providing older patients with dental care, including severe dental complexity, multiple medical conditions, diminished functional status, loss of independence, uninformed attitudes about dental care in old age, and limited finances. The mission of the ASGD is to surmount these barriers by education, clinical programs, research agendas, and legislative advocacy.

Benefits of ASGD Membership

  • Forums for sharing interests, concerns, and innovations.
  • Annual National Conference on Special Care Issues in Dentistry.
  • Regular local or regional continuing education programs.
  • The bimonthly journal Special Care in Dentistry.
  • Timely information in the newsletter Interface.
  • Manuals for dental care in long-term care facilities.
  • Promotion of oral health for older adults.
  • Legislative advocacy particularly for those who have difficulty gaining access to dental care.
  • Information resource to organized dentistry.
  • Advocacy for support of geriatric dental education.
  • Opportunities to become actively involved.
  • Serving as elected board members or officers.
  • Serving on committees or task forces to help shape policy, provide education, collaborate on research, or participate in other professional areas of concern.
  • Recognition for those with advanced training and experience.
  • Fellowship in the ASGD.

Your membership in the ASGD benefits the older adults in your practice and ultimately thousands in society by showing your commitment to the goal of improving the oral health of older adults. Involvement in the ASGD helps you turn that goal into substantive action.