Better oral health in residential care :: SA Health

Better oral health in residential care

Good oral health is essential for healthy ageing. Oral disease causes pain, is costly, disfiguring, results in poor nutrition and can lead to other diseases.

In 2007 a multi-state group, led by the South Australian Dental Service, was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to develop an evidence-based model called Better Oral Health in Residential Care. 

In 2010, this model is being implemented as part of the Australian Government’s first Nursing Home Oral and Dental Health Plan.

The Better Oral Health in Residential Care Model promotes a team approach with general medical practitioners, registered nurses, care workers and dental professionals sharing responsibility for one or more of four key processes:

  1. oral health assessment
  2. oral health care planning
  3. daily oral hygiene and
  4. dental treatment.

Better oral health in residential care project report

This report describes the research used to identify an evidence-based model to promote better oral health in residential care. Models of change, evaluation methods and results are discussed.

A set of educational resource portfolios and an education and training program have been developed to support the key processes.

Please click on the links below for more information.

Educational portfolios:

  • professional portfolio
  • facilitator portfolio
  • staff portfolio

Resources:

  • Information for residents and their families
  • oral hygiene aids and product information
  • medical safety data sheets
  • posters.

Contact information

If you have any questions or want further information, please contact SA Dental Service:

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Australia License logo

Better Oral Health in Residential Care Professional Portfolio by SA Dental Service, Central Northern Adelaide Health Service Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Australia License.

If you want to alter, transform or build upon this work, you are invited to contact SA Dental Service by telephone (08) 8222 9083 or email sadental@health.sa.gov.au.