Vulnerable elderly who can no longer go to an oral care practice by themselves will be visited by ACTA students on a cargo bicycle from academic year 2025-2026. The students will provide free preventive care to the elderly to prevent their oral health from deteriorating.
After a successful pilot, the project has become a regular part of ACTA's dental curriculum. Referrers such as dentists or home care workers can apply. Elderly people themselves and their family members can also apply. Annually, some 70 couples of students will provide care they can visit elderly people living in a seven-kilometre circle around the faculty. The students provide the care needed to prevent oral health problems and refer if there are problems that require treatment.
A pilot project was launched in 2024. In three months, 20 home visits were made to elderly people who were often around 90 years old or older. Dental geriatrician Claar van der Maarel-Wierink spearheaded the pilot: 'It's a win-win. Elderly people are happy with free care at home, which they would otherwise not get. Students get personal and professional development in return.'
Van der Maarel-Wierink: 'The ACTA dentist of the future must not forget the growing group of vulnerable elderly people. That is our social responsibility. With this care provision, we reach a forgotten group that can no longer come to the practice. Many of the problems students see can be prevented if we don't lose sight of that group.
Partnership
ACTA is the partnership of the Faculties of Dentistry of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam. ACTA conducts scientific research, teaches and provides patient care in the field of dentistry. Internationally, ACTA is a leader in research and education.