Geriatric Oral Health Access Pilot Program
Wraps Up

Over the course of 12 months, 37 residents of a long-term care facility in San Mateo received a free oral health assessment, as well as dental hygiene and restorative treatment, thanks to a CDA Foundation grant funded pilot project known as the Geriatric Oral Health Access Program (GOHAP).

The CDA Foundation embarked on GOHAP in partnership with the San Mateo County Dental Society and Peninsula Dental Hygienists’ Association to develop solutions to complex issues confronting seniors in long-term care facilities. The program was designed to develop and test an innovative model of care, quantify the effects of a personalized oral health regimen, and compile data to assess improvements in access to oral health care using this model.

The pilot project officially wrapped up in June. Follow up conversations with the long-term care facility staff, reveal the project made a significant impact on the oral health of participating residents. A few notable comments include that the resident’s are happier with clean teeth, their mouths look and smell better, and they now request the care giving staff to brush their teeth. According to one staff member, the program had a significant impact on one particular resident who had an infection in the base of their mouth from packed food, which once removed cleared the infection allowing the patient to heal and enjoy improved health.

Although other staff examples were not quite as dramatic, the project received a round of applause by staff noting that residents were happier, more social and both residents and staff increased their concern for oral health.

GOHAP was generously funded by The San Francisco Foundation, American Dental Association Foundation and Mills-Peninsula Health Services utilizing Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAPs), in partnership with the dentist of record at the San Mateo facility.  The pilot project included performing oral health assessments of the residents, developing hygiene protocols, and determining appropriate treatment plans for necessary treatment. The facility’s care giving staff (primarily nursing staff) also received senior oral health training to improve their knowledge and skills in the proper care of resident’s oral health.

Throughout the year, each of the resident’s oral health status was monitored and evaluated and the lessons learned from this project will be valuable in potentially duplicating this effort in other facilities, as well as to support future legislative efforts.

This project demonstrated that residents in long-term care facilities often suffer from poor oral health and treatable oral conditions that are not identified. The reasons are multi-factorial, including lack of oral health knowledge and training of facility staff, a frail and medically compromised resident population, lack of payer sources and inadequate benefits, and the policies and regulations that govern the facilities. However, with a commitment to communication, collaboration and systems improvements, significant progress can be made with relatively few modifications to the overall existing infrastructure or additional uncompensated expense to the facility.