June 2, 2026
Understanding the Connection Between Oral Health and Cognitive Function
National Center for Equitable Care for Elders
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
This NCECE webinar will explore the intersection of oral health and cognitive impairment. Participants will consider the impact of poor oral health on cognitive frailty in community-dwelling older adults, as well as the role of adequate dental coverage in reducing the level of risk experienced by this population.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe key oral health risk factors contributing to cognitive decline in later life.
- Explain how dental coverage influences oral health risk and clinical outcomes in older adults.
- Apply shared strategies for improving interprofessional communication and collaboration in health center settings.
Speakers:
- Dr. Christine Riedy, MA, PhD, MPH, NCECE Director and Principal Investigator; Delta Dental of Massachusetts Associate Professor in Oral Public Health and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Lisa Thompson, DMD, Assistant Professor of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
