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released: 12 May 2009 author: Carter K D, Spencer AJ, Wright C, King L & Chalmers J M

As the Australian population ages and more older Australians retain their natural teeth, more people living in residential aged care are developing complex oral disease and dental problems. This report shows that carers play a crucial role in helping maintain the oral health of older adults in residential aged care, including the identification and referral needed for dental care, by investigating 21 aged care facilities in three states. Three aspects of best practice were pursued: assisting the development of policies and procedures; training carers to use an oral health assessment called the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and then evaluating the reliability and validity of carers' use of the OHAT; and applying an evidence-based oral health protocol for carers of dependent older adults. The OHAT was evaluated as being a reliable and valid screening tool for use among residents, including those with cognitive impairments.

ISSN 1321-0254; ISBN 978 1 74024 884 6; Cat. no. DEN 193; 61pp.; Internet only

Full publication

Publication table of contents

  • Preliminary material (110KB PDF)
    • Title and verso pages
    • Contents
    • Acknowledgments
    • Abbreviations
    • Symbols
    • Summary
  • Body section (381KB PDF)
    1. Introduction
      • 1.1 Oral health in residential care
      • 1.2 Assessment of residents' oral health
      • 1.3 Study hypothesis, aims, outcomes and significance
        • Hypothesis
        • Aims
        • Expected outcomes
    2. Methods
      • 2.1 Study design, sampling and ethical implications
      • 2.2 Methods (piloting, timeline, measurement, data collection, evaluation)
        • Timeline
        • Data analysis
    3. Results
      • 3.1 Participation
        • Facility questionnaire (baseline and 6 months)
        • Resident characteristics
        • Oral Health Assessment Tool
        • Oral Hygiene Care Plan
      • 3.2 Discussion
    4. Conclusion
    5. References
  • End matter (588KB PDF)
    • Appendixes
      1. Brief Oral Health Status Examination (BOHSE)
      2. Oral Health Assessment Tool for dental screening
      3. Oral Hygiene Care Plan used in study
      4. Facility score sheet used at baseline and 6 months
      5. Focus group questionnaire
      6. Final Oral Health Assessment Tool
      7. Final Oral Hygiene Care Plan
    • List of tables

Recommended citation

Carter K D, Spencer AJ, Wright C, King L & Chalmers J M 2009. Caring for oral health in Australian residential care. Dental statistics and research series no. 48. Cat. no. DEN 193. Canberra: AIHW. Viewed 12 June 2013 <http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442468243>.