74: Paula Friedman: Specialist in Geriatric Dentistry Discusses Oral Health Care of Older Patients

Dr. Paula Friedman is a Professor in the Department of General Dentistry in the Harry M. Goldman School of Dentistry at Boston University. A specialist in geriatric dentistry, her research interests focus on health services and specifically on increasing access to oral health care for underserved populations. Activities include conducting oral health screenings for community-based, independently living elders; facilitating oral health in-home consultations for frail, home-bound elders; and assessing levels of satisfaction with services received by student dental plan members. Her research interests also include studying barriers to oral health services as perceived by underserved populations. Dr. Friedman’s publications have addressed issues pertaining to the management of elderly diabetic patients and also have focused on Xerostomia, the "invisible" oral health condition. Her doctor of dental science degree is from Columbia University and she also obtained two masters degrees at Boston University, including one in public health. In this interview, Dr. Friedman discusses common ailments in oral health in the elder population as well as ageism, interprofessional care, and other critical elements of this subject.