Our 2019 review of oral health in care homes found steps were often not being taken to ensure that people get the oral health care they need to ensure that they are pain-free and that their dignity is respected. This follow-up review of how providers have responded to its recommendations from 2019 showed that improvements were being made.
The report shows there have been improvements in the understanding of how important oral health is to keep people healthy.
The review found:
- Care homes are much more aware of the NICE oral health guideline. In 2019, only 61% were aware of the guidance. This has now increased to 91%.
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More than double the proportion of care plans fully covered oral health needs, compared to our review of care plans in 2019 (60% in 2022; 27% in 2019), however more work needs to be done to ensure all care plans cover oral health.
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The percentage of care home providers saying that staff always (or mostly always) receive specific training in oral health has doubled from 30% in 2019 to 60% in 2022. This however means 40% of staff may not receive training, which needs to improve.
- Inspectors remain concerned that people living in care homes are missing out on vital care from dental practitioners – both at the right time and in the right place.
- Care home providers also highlighted that not enough dentists were able or willing to visit care homes to treat people who may be less mobile.
Read the new report to learn more about the findings and recommendations.
To mark the launch of this report, we’re holding a webinar on Thursday 23 March from 3-4pm where a panel of people involved in the follow-up report will discuss the findings and consider next steps. If you haven’t done so already, you can register to attend the webinar via Eventbrite.
Registrations will close at 1pm on Thursday 23 March. We will not be able to accept new registrations after this time.
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