A pilot study on improving oral care in long-term care settings. Part I: Oral health assessment.

Surveys of oral health in long-term care (LTC) settings have consistently documented low levels of health. In the complex LTC environment, programs to improve oral health have yet to be well defined. The purpose of this pilot project was to determine if a program of training for nursing assistants in combination with adjunctive aids to oral care could improve resident oral health indicators. This pilot study demonstrated improved oral health indexes among residents cared for by trained nursing assistants who had access to adjunctive oral care aids. Additional studies are needed to define the nature of oral caregiving in LTC settings as well as specific regimens which can assure continued oral health improvement in this environment.