MADRID, 2025-06-17
Aging Population strains Oral Health care in Spain
Spain’s over-65 population is rapidly growing, placing significant pressure on the healthcare system, particularly in oral health, with a high prevalence of dental issues.
- Over 20% of the Spanish population is over 65, a figure projected to increase substantially.
- A high percentage of seniors experience cavities, tooth loss, and other dental problems.
- Current oral healthcare heavily relies on the private sector, creating accessibility challenges.
- Expanding public coverage is seen as crucial, possibly requiring private sector collaboration.
What’s the state of oral health for seniors in Spain? Currently, 20.1% of the Spanish population, exceeding 9.5 million people, is over 65, and this is expected to surge by 30.5% by 2055, as highlighted in a report from the DONTE GROUP. This demographic shift presents considerable challenges, especially in oral health, due to the dependence on the private sector, which impacts the “pocket of citizenship.”
Javier Martín Ocaña, CEO of Donte Group, emphasizes the commitment to improving oral health for the elderly, stating that proper dental care is vital for their overall well-being. The group aims to bridge the accessibility gap through partnerships between public and private sectors, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic situation, can access the dental care they need.
The report reveals that a staggering 99.8% of those over 65 have experienced cavities, with 40.1% still actively dealing with them. Additionally, severe tooth loss affects 72.5% of this age group, and 39.4% have dental calculations. These conditions not onyl diminish the quality of life but can also influence overall health.
Dr. Clara Esteban, Medical Director of Donte Group, explains the strong link between oral and general health, underscoring the need for improved oral care to prevent chronic diseases, enhance the elderly’s independence, and reduce the use of more costly healthcare services.
Socioeconomic disparities also impede access to oral services. A 2020 European Health Survey indicated that a significant number of people aged 65 to 84 face financial obstacles in receiving dental care. Alberto Montero Soler, Professor of Applied Economics at the university of Malaga and author of the report, points out that these barriers reflect territorial inequalities, as the cost and availability of dental services differ among autonomous communities.
Currently, much of the oral care for those over 65 in Spain is provided by the private sector. limited public coverage forces patients to seek care at private clinics, resulting in many services being directly paid for by patients. This can be financially challenging for those with limited income or facing economic exclusion, leading to inequalities in access.
Donte group advocates for integrating oral services into healthy aging policies, suggesting the progressive expansion of public coverage and income-based adjustments in co-payment systems. They also propose leveraging agreements with the private sector to optimize,provide greater adaptability,and improve the efficiency of dental services. Montero states this approach would make services more accessible while maintaining costs under control through specific agreements.
The report suggests that effective expansion of public coverage must involve the private sector, using its infrastructure to reach more people. The group estimates that broadening oral coverage for those over 65 would cost between 517 and 853 million euros, “an assumed cost compared to potential benefits in terms of improving the quality of life and reduction of additional health costs,” according to the economist.
José Luis Fernández Santillana, president of the Spanish Confederation of Elderly Organizations (CEOMA), emphasized that expanding public coverage for oral health for those over 65 is an urgent social need, addressing inequalities and promoting equity, dignity, and well-being in a rapidly aging society.
María José Abraham, general director of the Age & Vida Foundation, highlighted that, according to European estimates, older people in dependency account for up to 70% of health spending. Thorough healthcare, including oral health, could generate savings of 10% to 20% in public costs by preventing systemic diseases like cardiovascular issues and diabetes. abraham concluded by defending the effective integration of social and health services as a matter of economic efficiency, equity, and dignity, ensuring the system’s sustainability and enabling older people to live longer and healthier lives.
The Role of Public and Private initiatives
As Spain grapples with the oral health crisis among its aging population, the roles of public and private sector initiatives become increasingly critical. The current reliance on private dental care, as highlighted in the DONTE GROUP report and the existing article, creates important barriers to access for many seniors [[1]]. Expanding public coverage to include more dental services is a pressing need.Tho, implementing such changes efficiently and effectively will necessitate a collaborative approach, as underscored by Javier Martín Ocaña, CEO of Donte Group.
The Spanish government, and regional administrations, face the challenge of balancing the need for increased access to dental care with fiscal constraints. One approach being explored is strategic partnerships with private dental clinics, as suggested, incentivizing them to offer more affordable services. This model has the potential to make dental services more available, ensuring that underserved populations can receive the care they need. The WHO published a country profile on oral health including Spain in 2022, highlighting challenges and opportunities for reform [[3]].
How are partnerships between the public and private sectors shaping oral health access for the elderly? Collaborative initiatives seek to optimize resource allocation, providing accessible care, especially in areas with limited public infrastructure.
Another avenue is to create mobile dental clinics that can bring dental treatments to rural communities, improving access for those who cannot travel easily. These initiatives can be particularly helpful in areas where access to dental care is limited, such as in rural areas, making it easier for seniors to get the care they urgently need.These measures are important in achieving a universal healthcare goal that is also enduring.
Financial Support Mechanisms
Innovative financial models are also key to enhancing accessibility. The DONTE GROUP report suggests adjusting co-payment systems based on income, ensuring that low-income seniors are not further burdened by dental costs. Additionally, exploring the creation of public dental insurance programs could offer a more predictable and affordable way for the elderly to access dental care. These initiatives may be partially funded by redirecting funds from other less-essential healthcare expenditures, thereby ensuring both affordability and fiscal responsibility.
What are the key financial strategies being considered to improve dental care access? Income-based co-payment adjustments,public dental insurance schemes,and the strategic allocation of healthcare funds are under consideration.
Benefits of Increased Access to Oral Health Care:
- Improved overall health: Addressing oral health issues can prevent systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, reducing the likelihood of expensive medical interventions.
- Enhanced Quality of life: Access to dental care leads to better chewing ability, which can improve the elderly’s quality of life.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Early intervention prevents expensive treatments that could lead to systemic disease.
- Economic Benefits: By helping keep seniors functional for longer, the healthcare system has economic benefits from increased worker productivity or a lessened burden on the healthcare system.
As José Luis Fernández santillana, president of the Spanish Confederation of Elderly Organizations (CEOMA), emphasized, expanding public coverage for oral health for those over 65 is an urgent social need [[1]]. The initiatives and action plans discussed in the DONTE GROUP report are a good way to create both a more equitable and a more sustainable future for the aging population in Spain. The key will be to integrate health services into plans as the older generation looks to continue living and supporting people,who are at risk of dependency.
Table of Contents
