The genesis of our program is the Medical Director who then works with the Director of Nursing and ultimately our dentists and hygienists. Through this interdisciplinary approach, OHCS tackles the medical problems of pneumonia and strokes which are all bacterial infections often having a dental hygiene solution. OHCS’s hygienists are charged with the responsibility to communicate pertinent patient information to responsible individuals on the health care team.
Once our dentist has determined an appropriate recommended treatment, OHCS will advise the family and/or the family doctor with results of the diagnosis and treatment plan. We work directly with the family and our hygienist coordinates care, schedules appropriate personnel, monitors the distribution of information and processes all paperwork necessary for payment.
The initial goal of the program is to improve the general condition of the mouth and teeth; this alone greatly impacts the resident’s quality of life. Many residents do not eat because their mouths simply hurt, they can not chew. If their mouth has a putrid taste, nothing tastes good. If eating is not a pleasure, residents do not eat. We work to improve these conditions first. As the photos to the right and below indicate, without treatment, the oral cavity and dentures of this population often go without care. We believe delivering the very best oral platform is the beginning of a good oral maintenance program.
Once a facility has contracted with Onsite Health Care Services, an OHCS hygienist is assigned to work with the designated facility point person for coordination of services.
OHCS will then coordinate contact with the responsible party for each resident in the facility to obtain permission for the staff dentist to perform a comprehensive oral exam. The key to long term success is regularly administered care. The Oral Cavity Rehabilitation program also provides products for daily use. These products come in various forms and applications determined by the clinician’s assessment of the condition of the Resident’s oral cavity. OHCS does not just brush teeth; we perform oral debridement, prophylaxis and fluoride treatments.
OHCS provides the Facility with its own Registered Dental Hygienist who works continuously, personally with the facility, the Residents and families. Additionally, the hygienist offers certified, onsite training to facility staff members monthly with an emphasis on oral hygiene. The hygienist meets with the Resident at least every month, monitors progress and communicates with the family. The hygienist encourages and supports this important initiative with the medical staff, the dental staff, the facility staff and the family ...consistent communication yields results.
The last, but equally important part of OHCS’s Oral Cavity Rehabilitation program consists of several on-site presentations. They include “A Trip Around The Mouth” which teaches effective oral care techniques, “Pneumonia and Teeth: The Connection” and a presentation about oral hygiene care products, their uses and benefits. Additionally the hygienist will host “Family Nights” to keep families informed about oral hygiene care and OHCS services and provide the facility, if requested, with newsletter articles.
The implementation of the OHCS Oral Cavity Rehabilitation Program can make the largest contribution to the health care of the elderly since the introduction of bypass surgery. It improves general health and decreases incidence of heart disease, stroke and infectious diseases. Together, OHCS and Facility professionals can positively improve the overall health and wellbeing of residents.
