ABSTRACT
Globally, oral health diseases are a major problem that can have serious consequences at both the individual and social level. Despite sufficient knowledge about the prevention of oral health diseases, putting it into practice does not seem obvious, particularly not in a target group of frail older people. Inequality of health, partly increased by society becoming more multicultural and the ageing of the population, must be tackled. Diversity in the provision of care tailored to the care needs of different target groups is necessary. Another challenge lies in removing the barriers that (oral) healthcare providers experience when offering oral healthcare to frail older people. In order to provide a solution to the issues mentioned above, reorientation of oral healthcare services is needed. A more prevention-orientated approach to care, with methods of financing that support this, should be the goal. In addition, health literacy must be improved through health education and promotion. A model has been developed for interprofessional collaboration to optimise (oral) healthcare. This approach would lead to an increase in patient-centred care and in this way takes important steps forwards towards a healthier society.
