Geriatric Dentistry
Geriatric dentistry focuses on dental care for older adults, especially those with complex medical, functional, or cognitive conditions.
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
Specialists manage oral health in medically fragile older adults, coordinating interdisciplinary care.
Common Procedures:
- Complex restorative treatments
- Management of oral manifestations of systemic disease
- Prosthodontics for elderly patients
- Preventive dentistry in long-term care
- Treatment in assisted-living or nursing home settings
- Interprofessional care coordination
Professional Roles
Geriatric Dentistry specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Hospital/Institution Dentist: Provide dental care in hospitals, VA centers, nursing homes
- Academician/Researcher: Teaching geriatrics, developing oral‑health curricula
- Public Health Dentist: Promote geriatric oral health access and policy
Clinical Settings
Geriatric Dentistry specialists practice in diverse environments:
- Geriatric dental clinics
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Hospitals and academic centers
- Community outreach programs
Specialty Outlook
The geriatric dentistry profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- High demand driven by aging population
- Growth in school-based and mobile dentistry initiatives
- Increased funding in geriatrics education
Digital Innovation
Geriatric Dentistry is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- Portable dentistry equipment
- Tele-dentistry for homebound patients
- Electronic health record integration in geriatric care
Patient Experience
Modern geriatric dentistry emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Holistic, person-centered care
- Accessible services in patients' living environments
- Interprofessional support for complex cases
Student Journey Roadmap
During Dental School
Post‑doc / Fellowship Phase
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS or DMD
- Minimum GPA: 3.2
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.5+
- Core Courses: Geriatric and special-care dentistry
- Research Experience: Research preferred but not required
Standardized Tests
- NBDE: Pass NBDE or INBDE
- TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 2-3
- Types:
- • General practice residency or faculty
- • Research mentor or clinical preceptor
- Emphasis: Interest in geriatric care and teamwork
Research Experience
- Participation in geriatrics or community health research
- Capstone or fellowship project experience
Clinical Experience
- Geriatric dentistry rotations
- Experience in long-term care/nursing homes
- Collaborative team-based care exposure
Application Components
- ADEA PASS (for AEGD/GPR)
- Program-specific forms
- Personal statement focused on elder care
- CV/resume
- Transcripts and photo
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: 3.5+
- Target GRE Verbal:
- Target GRE Quantitative:
- Research Publications: At least 1 preferred
- Shadowing Hours:
- Extracurriculars: Leadership in service/community
Application Deadlines & Timeline
PASS Application Opens
Apply for AEGD/GPR programs with geriatric emphasis
Interviews
Interviews for programs & fellowships
Match or Offers
AEGD/GPR Match or fellowship offers
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
4:1
Average GPA
3.5+
Program Duration
1-2
Average Tuition
$30K+
Starting Salary
$180K
Tips for Success
- Meet Requirements: Focus on meeting basic academic requirements
- Show Interest: Demonstrate genuine interest in the specialty
- Clinical Exposure: Gain some exposure to the specialty
- Strong Application: Present yourself well in applications
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
1–2 years
Weekly Schedule
3 days clinical, 1‑2 days didactic/rotation
Research Requirements
Often includes capstone or scholarly project
Degrees Awarded
- AEGD/GPR Certificate
- Fellowship in Geriatric Dentistry
Clinical Training
- Assessment and management in frail elderly
- Geriatric prosthodontics and restorative care
- Medical complexity management
- Care in nursing homes and special-care settings
Didactic Education
- Geriatric medicine and pharmacology
- Oral systemic health in aging
- Ethics and health policy
- Interprofessional geriatrics seminars
Research Activities
- Quality improvement or public-health project
- Capstone/fellowship thesis
- Data collection and analysis training
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Typically 3‑4 clinical days weekly; flexible scheduling
Career Satisfaction
High due to impact on vulnerable patients & care teams
Practice Environment
Team‑based and interdisciplinary settings
Physical Demands
Moderate – includes facility visits and coordination
Day-in-the-Life
Team Case Conference
Discuss complex geriatric cases with caregivers
Clinical Session
Provide dental care in clinic or care facility
Lunch + Didactics
Attend seminars on aging-related topics
Facility Visits
On-site treatment at nursing home or assisted-living
Research/Documentation
Work on capstone, charting, interprofessional notes
Career Perspective
Geriatric Dentistry Fellow
Hands-on care of medically complex elders with team-based training
The fellowship gave me a superpower in managing frail patients holistically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is geriatric dentistry an ADA‑recognized specialty?
Not formally—it's typically trained through AEGD/GPR or fellowship programs.
How long is geriatric dentistry training?
Usually 1–2 years (certificate or fellowship).
What is the average starting salary?
Around $150K–$210K depending on clinical setting and region.