Dental treatment of older adults with complex oral health and medical conditions requires a core set of skills and knowledge that differentiates clinicians in this niche practice area from general dentists. Training standards in dental programs and postdoctoral programs are not standardized to equip oral health professionals to adequately address the oral health needs of this unique population. Published literature citing best practices for supporting oral health among older adults is fragmented and not applied uniformly within the dental profession. Gerontology is part of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing older adults’ overall health. Geriatric dentistry, or gerodontology, has not been defined as a specialty in North America and the opportunity exists to define Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) to support clinical practice and training.  

A project team within the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry conducted a scoping review to identify knowledge, skills, and competencies that informed tentative EPAs. A Delphi Process was conducted to engage diverse stakeholders, including dental professionals, primary care professionals, and caregivers/older adults, and an expert panel to reach consensus on proposed EPAs in Geriatric Dentistry.  

The scoping review identified preliminary EPA items. Three stakeholder panels will be engaged through a Delphi process to reach consensus on EPAs in Geriatric Dentistry. Stakeholders will be re-engaged in disseminating the deliverable for applying into clinical practice, training, and dental care experience.  

EPAs in Geriatric Dentistry can support the dental care delivery system (training and practice) and promote optimal oral health for older adults.