This lecture aims to provide the audience with an increased understanding of management of the oral health needs of the ageing population. Many older people will be increasingly vulnerable due to cognitive, medical and physical disabilities that impact significantly on their oral health and dental care needs. The implications of changing demographics will be explained and a discussion on common medical co-morbidities and the impact of cognitive conditions, including dementia, on dental treatment. The changing pattern of dental disease in older people will be discussed, with explanation of the consequences of these changes the general dental team.