RESUMO
Background: In India, the absence of formal training in geriatric dentistry and the lack of recognition of it as a speciality contributes to the deterioration of oral health in the older adults. India lacks specific oral healthcare policies for older adults. Additionally, caregivers' perspective in Indian old age homes regarding oral health care services remains underexplored, necessitating further studies in this context. Methods: A mixed method study was conducted, and the quantitative component focused on assessing the oral health status of institutionalized older adults and caregivers' perceptions using a questionnaire. The qualitative part evaluates caregivers' perceptions of providing oral health care services for institutionalized older adults by conducting in-depth interviews. Results: More than 50% of caregivers perceived that the oral health status of institutionalized older adults was fair even though institutionalized older adults has poor oral health status. Barriers include autonomy, difficulty in traveling, lack of financial support, lack of knowledge and time. Approaches for enhancing oral health services for institutionalized older adults include oral health education for older adults and caregivers, monthly dentist visits to the institution, utilization of portable dental chair services, collaboration with dental colleges/dental clinics, distribution of oral health education materials, and provision of oral hygiene aids. Conclusion: Caregivers face barriers in providing oral health care services to institutionalized older adults, especially those who are functionally reliant and cognitively impaired. Findings from our study show that there is a need to collaborate with the dental colleges to provide oral health services in old age homes.