Utilizing dental hygienists to undertake dental examination and referral in residential aged care facilities.

The Australian population is ageing, and a growing proportion of elderly Australians are now living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). These residents are commonly dependent on others for their daily oral hygiene care and often display high levels of plaque and calculus. With declining edentulism rates, periodontal disease is becoming more prevalent in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a dental hygienist to undertake a dental examination for residents of aged care facilities, devise a periodontal and preventive treatment plan and refer patients appropriately to a dentist. A total of 510 residents from 31 Victorian RACFs were examined, with 275 dentate residents included in this study. Between May 2005 and June 2006, residents were examined by a single experienced dental epidemiologist and one of four dental hygienists using a plane mouth mirror and periodontal probe. A total of 510 residents from 31 RACFs had a dental examination from a dentist and one of four dental hygienists. The treatment needs of residents examined were high, with nearly all of the 275 dentate residents requiring preventive and periodontal treatment, and three-quarters requiring referral to a dentist for treatment. There was excellent agreement between the dentist and hygienists regarding the decision to refer residents to a dentist for treatment, with high sensitivity (99.6%) and specificity (82.9%). Only 8.0% of residents were referred by a hygienist to a dentist when the dentist considered that no referral was required. Dental hygienists have the skills and knowledge necessary for undertaking a dental examination for residents, correctly identifying the majority of residents who require a referral to a dentist. They are capable of formulating appropriate dental hygiene treatment plans for residents of aged care facilities. It is recommended that there should be greater utilization of hygienists in the provision of dental care to residents of aged care facilities, as a safe, efficient and effective use of health resources.

Hopcraft MS ，Morgan MV ，Satur JG ，Wright FA ... -  《-》

Effectiveness of professional oral health care intervention on the oral health of residents with dementia in residential aged care facilities: a systematic review protocol.

Yi Mohammadi JJ ，Franks K ，Hines S 《-》

Dental service provision in Victorian residential aged care facilities.

Hopcraft MS ，Morgan MV ，Satur JG ，Wright FA ... -  《AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL》

Senior Smiles: preliminary results for a new model of oral health care utilizing the dental hygienist in residential aged care facilities.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a qualified dental hygienist could improve oral health outcomes for residents living in residential aged care facilities on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. A qualified dental hygienist undertook a 24-week oral hygiene intervention in five residential aged care facilities to test the Senior Smiles, oral health model of care. The facilities were invited to take part in the research, which was funded by a grant from NSW Medicare Local, Erina. Residents were asked to consent to having oral health risk assessments, oral healthcare plans and to receiving referrals for treatment where needed. Pre- and post-intervention plaque scores were recorded for residents and P values calculated using a paired t-test. In addition, the number of residents examined, treated and referred for more complex dental care was recorded. The statistical analysis program, SPSS, was used to conduct a paired t-test to compare pre- and post-intervention plaque scores on residents from the 5 RACFs. A statistically significant result of P < 0.0001 showed the intervention of the dental hygienist was effective in reducing plaque scores in residents across the 5 RACFs. The Senior Smiles model of care provided residents with preventive oral hygiene care, referral pathways for complex dental treatment needs and established a formal management programme for ongoing oral health care within the RACFs. The Senior Smiles model of care is successful and transportable.

Wallace JP ，Mohammadi J ，Wallace LG ，Taylor JA ... -  《-》

Dental screening and referral of young children by pediatric primary care providers.

dela Cruz GG ，Rozier RG ，Slade G 《-》