Graduating dental hygiene students' general attitudes toward the elderly and their perceptions of older adults as patients were found not to be equivalent. Mixed perceptions were found among the students, and no predictors of attitudes predominated. Educational interventions to change unfavorable attitudes appear feasible. (Author/MSE)

A survey of Washington State dentists in private practice shows generally inaccurate perceptions of the aging process. More experienced dentists held fewer stereotypes, those rating elderly patients as having good oral hygiene held positive stereotypes, and geriatrics coursework did not affect stereotypes. Implications for training and geriatric…