The Center for Oral Health today released Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old 2.0, an updated statewide report examining the oral health needs of California’s older adults and identifying opportunities to strengthen prevention, access to care, and integration with broader health and aging services.

Building on the organization’s landmark first report, Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old 2.0 provides updated data, analysis, and policy recommendations to address persistent oral health disparities among older adults. As California’s population ages, the report underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among health systems, community organizations, policymakers, and aging services providers to ensure that older adults can maintain good oral health and overall well-being.

“Oral health is closely linked with chronic disease, nutrition, and quality of life. Yet many older adults face significant barriers to care, including inadequate oral health coverage, limited mobility, workforce shortages, and insufficient integration between dental and medical systems. The report outlines strategies to improve prevention, strengthen the oral health workforce, and expand access to care in community settings.”
— Jennifer Holtzman, DDS, MPH, Board Chair, Center for Oral Health

The report highlights key opportunities to improve oral health outcomes for older adults, including:

• Expanding preventive and routine dental care access for older adults in community and residential settings
• Strengthening partnerships between dental providers, health systems, and aging services organizations
• Increasing awareness of the connection between oral health and overall health
• Supporting innovative service delivery models that reach older adults where they live and receive care
• Informing public health planning and policy solutions that address systemic barriers to oral health care

“By 2029, it is estimated that adults aged 60 years and older will make up 24.7 percent of San Diego County’s population. San Diego County Public Health Services applauds the Center for Oral Health for the release of Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old 2.0, a comprehensive and timely report that highlights the critical oral health needs of older adults across California—not only from a clinical health status perspective but also from a quality-of-life standpoint. These are important areas to address, as oral health issues can directly influence chronic disease, nutrition, and mental well-being. Here in San Diego County, we are working to maintain and advance access to oral health care for our older adults and are excited to continue to partner with the Center for Oral Health on these issues.”
— Fadra Whyte, DMD, MPH, Chief Dental Officer, County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency

The Center for Oral Health developed the report with support from partners and leaders across public health, aging services, and oral health sectors. The organization also continues to collaborate with counties, community-based organizations, and health systems to advance solutions that improve oral health outcomes for older adults throughout California.

“The Center for Oral Health brings a unique combination of expertise in conducting needs assessments and piloting new models of care. This report will serve as a foundation for building stronger partnerships and driving meaningful improvements in how oral health services are delivered to older adult populations.”
— Brendan John, Interim CEO, Center for Oral Health

Acknowledgment of Support

The Center for Oral Health gratefully acknowledges Delta Dental for its support of Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old 2.0. The original Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old report was made possible through the generous support of Archstone Foundation, The California Wellness Foundation, Liberty Dental Plan Foundation, and Delta Dental, whose leadership helped elevate attention to the oral health needs of older adults in California.

“The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation is committed to expanding access to oral health care for older adults. Understanding the realities they face—especially those with the fewest resources and greatest barriers—is essential to that work. We are honored to have partnered with the Center for Oral Health to produce Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old 2.0, which captures the true needs and challenges of this growing population. The way we care for our elders defines who we are, and this report will direct resources and attention where they’re needed most.”
— Caitlin Walker, Manager, Foundation & CSR, Delta Dental of California & Affiliates

The release of Healthy Smiles Never Gets Old 2.0 represents a continued commitment to advancing research, partnerships, and policy solutions that ensure older adults can age with dignity, health, and access to essential oral health services.

The full report is available at:
https://www.centerfororalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A-Healthy-Smile-Never-Gets-Old-2.0.pdf

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