Oral Care for Nursing Home and Care-Dependent Patients

Course overview

This course is designed to educate dental professionals on the oral health needs common to nursing home residents and care-dependent patients, as well as the role dental professionals can play in promoting oral health among these populations and their caregivers. These are vulnerable populations that suffer from multiple barriers, such as reduced access to oral healthcare, potential physical or mental limitations, and dependence on others for daily care. Among nursing home residents, oral conditions and related effects on general health include dental decay, periodontal disease, fungal infections, abscesses, aspiration pneumonia, and many conditions related to dietary deficiencies. The dental community plays a critical role in treating the patients that visit dental offices and clinics. However, dental professionals are also needed to educate nursing staff, caregivers, and patients who are confined to long-term facilities or their homes.