[Preliminary validation of a poster on oral hygiene in the elderly]. / Validation préliminaire d'une affiche sur l'hygiène buccale des personnes âgées.

This study calls attention to the preliminary validation of an educational poster on oral hygiene intended for people at least 65 years old living in a group home or benefiting from home care. The poster aims to modify certain risk behaviours. Twenty-four people from a middle class background participated in the study and were recruited from a day centre for the elderly of the Montreal region (Quebec, Canada). This study was carried out in three steps: the conceptualisation of the poster and two pre-tests. Interviews and the "focus group" method were both utilised for the collection of pertinent data. The two pre-tests indicated that the poster was easy to read, attractive and promoted the development of new skills in older people and the putting into practice of the conveyed messages.

The state of oral and dental health of the homeless and vagrant population of Montreal.

Not much is known about the state of oral and dental health of homeless and vagrant people in Montreal. However, a study conducted during April 1993, in conjunction with dental health month, has made it possible to undertake a better evaluation of their oral health status and to identify ways of making dental treatment available to them. Once the oral health status of this population is known, the official body responsible for homeless and vagrant individuals, the "Régie régionale Montréal-Centre," can be given possible solutions for their treatment and care. Most of the homeless are welfare recipients and have access to some basic benefits from this source. One of these benefits is free access to all assured basic dental services. These services are available after a six-month waiting period, and are provided by a dentist of the homeless person's choice. At the beginning of this study, the authors hypothesized that homeless people would prefer to be treated in the hostels and shelters where they sleep, which is currently the situation in Boston. But in 65 per cent of cases, their responses to a questionnaire administered as part of this study were quite different, and indicated that they would prefer to visit a private dentist of their choice. However, there is another important group (35 per cent) who wish to receive dental treatment in the hostels they presently frequent. Any proposed solution should take into consideration both groups of homeless and vagrant persons.