Population trends suggest that the Irish population is ageing, and that this population
will have substantial treatment needs. These patients will be better informed than
previous generations, and will demand treatment aimed at preserving a natural
dentition. This will impact upon delivery of oral healthcare and manpower planning
needs to consider how to address the increased demand for dental care. Poor oral
health is associated with systemic health problems, including cardiovascular disease,
respiratory disease and diabetes mellitus. It also has a negative impact upon quality of
life, and the World Health Organisation has encouraged public healthcare
administrators and decision makers to design effective and affordable strategies for
better oral health and quality of life of older adults, which, in turn, are integrated into
general health management programmes. Treatment concepts such as minimally
invasive dentistry and the shortened dental arch concept are discussed in the context
of these demographic changes and recommendations.