Abstract
We examined the present condition of the community-based support system for oral health care of homebound elderly persons in Japan. A questionnaire was mailed to local dental associations, municipalities, home-visit nursing care stations for elderly patients and in-home care support centers and returned by mail. Dental delivery services and oral health care provided to homebound elderly persons by public health nurses, other nurses, and home helpers were assessed. Public health nurses, other nurses, and home helpers noted a need for oral health care, but understood the challenges involved. Local dental associations in large municipalities tended to provide oral health care support systems more often than associations in small municipalities. A lack of understanding by caregivers was one of the main obstacles to providing adequate oral health care. Cooperation with dentists, dental hygienists, physicians, public health nurses, other nurses, home helpers, and other professionals is necessary to construct an effective system of oral health care in all municipalities.
