Oral Health Care
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09058
Max group:
12
Learn essential oral health care practices to enhance patient care in healthcare settings
Course Summary
Oral Health Care
The Oral Health Care in a Healthcare Setting course is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to improve their understanding and skills in delivering effective oral care to patients in various healthcare environments. It covers the importance of oral health in overall patient well-being, common oral health issues, and practical techniques for assessing and maintaining oral hygiene. This course emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to patient care, where oral health is recognized as an essential part of overall health management. Participants will gain insights into the impact of poor oral health on systemic conditions and learn how to prevent and manage common oral health problems in hospitalized, elderly, or immobile patients. With a focus on practical skills, the course provides hands-on techniques for cleaning, managing oral health devices, and educating patients and caregivers on maintaining good oral hygiene. Key Learning Objectives: Understand the Importance of Oral Health in Healthcare Recognize the connection between oral health and overall health, including its impact on conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Identify the role of oral health in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections and complications. Assessing and Identifying Oral Health Issues Learn how to perform a basic oral health assessment, including inspecting the mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue. Understand how to identify common oral health issues, such as gingivitis, dry mouth, oral infections, and tooth decay. Recognize the symptoms of oral diseases in at-risk populations, including the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Oral Hygiene Techniques and Best Practices Master proper brushing and flossing techniques to maintain oral hygiene in patients. Learn about the different types of oral health care products, such as toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, and denture care products. Understand how to implement routine oral care for patients who are immobile or unconscious. Managing Oral Health in Vulnerable Populations Tailor oral care routines for patients with special needs, such as the elderly, those with dementia, and patients with medical conditions that affect oral health (e.g., diabetes, cancer). Learn strategies for managing oral health in patients who have difficulty with personal care, including those receiving long-term care or in critical care settings. Prevention and Management of Oral Health Problems Implement preventive measures for common oral health issues, such as plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, and dry mouth. Learn how to manage oral health complications that may arise during treatment or hospitalization, including the use of oral care products like saliva substitutes and antifungal treatments. Oral Health Education for Patients and Caregivers Educate patients and caregivers on the importance of oral hygiene and provide clear instructions on how to care for their teeth and gums at home. Provide strategies to encourage patient compliance with oral care routines, particularly for those with cognitive or physical limitations. Recognizing the Need for Professional Dental Intervention Identify when to refer patients for professional dental care, including the management of advanced oral health conditions such as tooth abscesses, severe gum disease, and oral cancer. Understand the importance of interdisciplinary communication between healthcare providers and dental professionals. Oral Care for Patients with Medical Devices Understand how to care for patients with dental prostheses, including dentures, implants, and orthodontic appliances. Learn techniques for cleaning and maintaining oral health devices, as well as managing any associated risks (e.g., infections or irritation). Ethical and Legal Considerations in Oral Health Care Review patient rights and consent when providing oral health care. Understand the ethical considerations when caring for patients who cannot care for their own oral health, including autonomy and decision-making. Case Studies and Practical Application Engage in real-world case studies to assess oral health challenges and develop effective care plans. Participate in practical demonstrations of oral hygiene techniques, including using oral care products and tools.
Course Contents
Introduction to Oral Health Care in Healthcare Settings
The Importance of Oral Health
Overview of the connection between oral health and overall health outcomes.
The impact of poor oral health on systemic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections).
The role of oral health in preventing hospital-acquired infections and complications.
Common Barriers to Oral Care in Healthcare Settings
Challenges faced by healthcare providers in maintaining oral health for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
Addressing patient reluctance or inability to participate in oral care routines.
Oral Health Anatomy and Physiology
Basic Anatomy of the Mouth Structure and function of teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
Salivary glands and their role in maintaining oral health.
Common Oral Conditions and Their Impact on Health
Overview of common oral diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay, dry mouth).
Understanding the systemic impact of untreated oral conditions (e.g., infections spreading to the bloodstream).
Oral Health Assessments and Screening
Performing a Basic Oral Health Assessment
How to inspect the mouth, gums, teeth, tongue, and oral mucosa for signs of disease or discomfort.
Identifying early signs of oral conditions such as gingivitis, ulcers, and tooth decay.
Screening for High-Risk Patients
Identifying patients at higher risk for oral health issues, including the elderly, patients with diabetes, stroke survivors, and those receiving chemotherapy.
Special considerations for assessing oral health in unconscious or immobile patients.
Oral Hygiene Techniques and Best Practices
Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques for patients who are able to perform these tasks independently.
How to adapt these techniques for patients who cannot manage their own oral hygiene.
Cleaning and Caring for Dental Prostheses
Techniques for cleaning dentures, bridges, and other dental appliances.
Managing common challenges such as plaque buildup on dentures and preventing oral sores caused by poorly fitting prostheses.
Maintaining Oral Care for Immobile or Unconscious Patients
Proper techniques for providing oral hygiene for patients who are bedridden, unconscious, or in a coma, including the use of oral swabs and suction devices.
Managing Common Oral Health Conditions Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Identifying the early signs of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Preventing and managing gum disease in hospitalized or elderly patients.
Tooth Decay and Cavities Recognizing the signs of tooth decay, including dark spots, pain, and sensitivity.
Preventive measures and the importance of early intervention in treating cavities.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Causes and risk factors for dry mouth, especially in patients on certain medications or with certain medical conditions.
Management strategies, including saliva substitutes and promoting hydration.
Oral Care for Vulnerable Populations
Oral Care for the Elderly
Special considerations when caring for older patients, including managing dry mouth, loss of teeth, and cognitive decline.
Understanding the role of oral care in preventing aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients.
Oral Health in Patients with Dementia
Adapting oral hygiene routines for patients with dementia, including overcoming resistance to care.
The impact of cognitive decline on oral health and strategies for improving patient compliance.
Oral Health in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Providing oral care for patients in palliative or hospice care settings, including pain management and comfort-focused techniques.
Prevention and Education Preventive Oral Care Practices
Educating patients and caregivers about preventive oral health measures, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
Teaching the importance of hydration, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive sugar consumption.
Patient and Caregiver Education
Developing effective communication strategies for educating patients and caregivers on the importance of daily oral care. Creating personalized oral care plans for patients, including specific techniques and recommendations based on individual health needs.
Managing and Preventing Oral Health Complications
Oral Infections and Inflammation Identifying and managing common oral infections, including candidiasis, ulcers, and abscesses.
Understanding the systemic impact of untreated oral infections and how they can lead to more serious health complications.
Dealing with Oral Care Resistance
Addressing challenges in patient compliance with oral hygiene routines, particularly in those with dementia or reduced mobility.
Psychological and behavioral strategies to encourage better oral health practices.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Oral Health Care
Working with Dentists and Oral Health Specialists
Understanding the roles of different healthcare professionals in managing patient oral health.
When and how to refer patients to dental professionals for specialized care.
Collaborating with Nursing and Allied Health Teams Integrating oral health care into broader patient care plans.
Promoting awareness of oral health among other healthcare providers in hospital and long-term care settings.
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;