the role of oral health in successful ageing

EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF GERODONTOLOGY (ECG)

The European College of Gerodontology was founded in 1990 to provide a European forum for contact between all those sharing an interest in Gerodontology and to establish a European body to which questions concerning Gerodontology can be referred. Subsequent meetings have leaded the Society to different countries all over Europe.

The most striking development of demographic data on the age structure of the population indicates a significant increase in the number of older persons particularly over the age of 80 years. Dental care therefore has to meet the requirements of an often compromised general medical condition, functional impairement and an aged oro-facial system.

All meetings of the European College of Gerodontology have not only covered the «hard core science» but also presented a wide range of clinical aspects concerning the dental treatment of the older adult. Besides demographic data, ideas and projects on how to improve dental service for the homebound and institutionalised population were introduced.

The friendly atmosphere of the meetings provides a good ground for fruitful discussions and a forum to create an interpersonal and interprofessional network between interested colleagues. With a global growing interest in the field of Gerodontology, ECG members now reach far beyond the European borders.