Virtual Conference

November 9, 2020

Needs Statement

The education and training of professionals in the area of geriatrics is hampered by a scarcity of faculty, inadequate and variable academic curricula and clinical experiences, and a lack of opportunities for advanced training. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on the Future Health Care Workforce for Older Americans committee recommends that more be done to ensure that all health care professionals have competence in geriatric principles. The IOM further calls for interprofessional collaborative practice education and training for health care professionals in training and in practice. The education and training of geriatric health care professionals is often limited in scope and needs to be expanded to take into account the diversity of health care needs among older populations and prepare professionals for new models of care, many of which will require changed or expanded roles.

Hot Topics in Aging is an annual interprofessional continuing education conference bringing together health professionals, researchers, and community members engaged in the care of older adults. The goal of the conference is to discuss timely and relevant topics in aging in order to improve care provided to older adults in all settings. This year’s conference will address a range of aging-related health issues, with a special focus on oral health and its connection to overall health for older adults.

Target Audience

Physicians, nurses, advance practice providers, social workers, dental professionals, other interprofessional team members

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the conference, participants should be able to:

• Describe the impact of oral health and disease on systemic health in older adults

• Explain the impact of dysphagia and drooling on psychological well-being

• Name 3 medications or medical conditions which may impact oral health in older adults

• List the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System

Educational Methods

Lecture, Case Study, Panel Discussion, Audience Response System, Small Group Breakout Session, Question & Answer

Activity Evaluation

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.