DENTAL NEEDS OF PRE-RETIREMENT AND RETIRED PEOPLE IN AN INNER-CITY AREA

Perceived and normative dental needs were assessed for people for pre- retirement (55-64 years) and retirement age (65-74 years) in Camberwel l, London, using a postal questionnaire and dental examination. Of the pre-retirement group, 77% were dentate compared with 65% in the older cohort. The younger age-group were more likely to believe teeth were more important and to perceive a need for dental care. People who atte nded for the examination were more likely to perceive a need for (64% and 15% respectively) and want treatment (39% and 17%) than non-examin es. Also, they were more likely to be unhappy with their appearance (4 3% and 20%) and to be in pain (42% and 21%). Treatment need was simila r for both groups with regard to restorative and extraction needs. How ever, the retirement group were more likely to have deep periodontal p ockets (33% and 8%) and a greater normative need for denture care.