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Full-Text Articles in Geriatric Nursing
Implementation And Evaluation Of An Oral Hygiene Program In Long-Term Care, Lawrence P. Lemos
Implementation And Evaluation Of An Oral Hygiene Program In Long-Term Care, Lawrence P. Lemos
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
A review of the literature focusing on oral care within long-term care (LTC) suggests positive resident care outcomes occur when standardized practices are employed. Studies of staff education programs, trained oral hygiene aides, and dental hygienists working within LTC, have linked regular oral hygiene practices to decreased pneumonia rates. While these studies make the connection between good oral hygiene and reducing risk for pneumonia, best practices focused on implementing and sustaining an oral hygiene program in LTC facilities are lacking. The aim of this quality improvement project was to ensure that dependent residents in LTC receive assistance with daily oral …