@article{2917176, title = "Diet and Oral Health Coaching Methods and Models for the Independent Elderly", author = "Maria Antoniadou 1 and Theodoros Varzakas 2, and 1 Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15127 Athens, Greece; and mantonia@dent.uoa.gr and 2 Department Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece", journal = "Applied Sciences", year = "2020", volume = "10", number = "4021", pages = "1-28", publisher = "MDPI", issn = "1454-5101", keywords = "diet; nutrition; oral health coaching; older adults; senior coaching; motivational interviewing; cognitive behavioral coaching techniques; independent elderly", abstract = "Health-related behavior based on diet is an important determinant of oral health in independent elderly. Aging impairs senses, mastication, oral status, and function, causing nutritional needs and diet insuciencies that contribute to a vicious circle of impairment. But the present needs of independent older adults suggest that health research and oral health care should shift from disease management and therapy to integral customized and personal treatment plans, including lifestyle, psychological, nutritional, and oral health coaching approaches. In this paper health coaching approaches in medical and dental settings are valued as to their e ectiveness for older adults. Furthermore, coaching approaches for seniors are discussed and coaching models for better senior patient-dentist cooperation on the diet issue are suggested. Diet and oral health coaching is proven to be a modern senior patient-centered approach that needs to be incorporated at all relevant settings. It should aim to empower older adults in co-management of their oral diseases or bad diet habits a ecting their oral health. This can be carried out through an incorporated educational plan for dentists either at the postgraduate or professional level since advantages seem to enhance the quality of life of the independent elderly." }