This study aimed to compare the oral health status of non-institutionalized elderly from Governador Valadares-MG, with the goal proposed by the World Health Organization for the year 2010. We used the database developed by the research group "Health, Individual and Society", from Vale do Rio Doce University. We assessed access to dental services, the DMFT index and the use and the use and need for prostheses in 505 elderly. With regard to access to dental services, 61.8% of seniors said they had not gone to the dentist in the past 12 months preceding the interview. Of these, 37.9% reported having sought the public system due to routine consultation, denture repairs and maintenance. The result of the DMFT index was 27.9. As for the use and need of prostheses, it was found that 46.9% of seniors used the removable total, 33.3% did not use any type, 54.1% had no need to use and 23.8% needed removable dentures. From the data obtained, we conclude that the oral health status of elderly subjects is poor, being far from the standard set by the WHO goals for the year 2010. This fact points to the need for investments in oral health, so that long-term goals are met.
elderly; oral health; World Health Organization
