Oral health and dental care facilities in Maltese residential homes

Abstract

Although most home managers appreciate the importance of oral health care for their residents, the residents still face many barriers to maintaining adequate oral health care and accessing dental services.

A scoping review and research synthesis on financing and regulating oral care in long‐term care facilities

“…In many countries, such as Canada 14,47 and the USA 48 , caregivers are legally, ethically and morally responsible to provide the same care for disabled as for abled people 49,50 , and government-regulated LTC facilities in Australia are required to provide oral care and access to dentists 51,52 . Yet there are serious gaps in integration of oral health care with general health care 16,36,[53][54][55] . The uncertainty of treatment needs and appropriateness of care are recurrent themes in dental geriatrics, along with concerns that the quality of care for frail elders is inferior to the care received by able-bodied people 50 .…”

“…In many countries, such as Canada 14,47 and the USA 48 , caregivers are legally, ethically and morally responsible to provide the same care for disabled as for abled people 49,50 , and government‐regulated LTC facilities in Australia are required to provide oral care and access to dentists 51,52 . Yet there are serious gaps in integration of oral health care with general health care 16,36,53–55 .…”

Critical appraisal of evidence supporting the placement of dental implants in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

“…This scenario is particularly important in nursing homes where the population is normally formed by elderly patients, many of whom requiring specialised health and dental care. Some studies suggest a lack of programmes for systematic dental care in these institutions, and many nursing home managers and staff workers may be unfamiliar with oral healthcare maintenance requirements. For example, in the present sample, one case report found that caregivers recognised the overdenture supported by two implants as a complete denture in a dependent patient.…”

Oral hygiene caregivers’ educational programme improves oral health conditions in institutionalised independent and functional elderly

“…Previous studies show that disease management and health promotion within healthcare services for the elderly may reduce the prevalence of chronic disease and disability. However, there are no specific guidelines for oral health care in Brazilian LTC. Generally, oral hygiene practices are not a priority among caregivers who manage elderly patients in long‐term care institutions.…”