Overview:

A practical awareness course designed to help care staff understand the importance of oral health and daily mouth care for people receiving care and support.

Full Description:

Good oral health is an important part of dignity, comfort, nutrition, communication, infection prevention and overall wellbeing. People receiving care may need support with daily mouth care due to frailty, dementia, disability, reduced mobility, swallowing difficulties, pain, medication effects or reduced ability to communicate discomfort. This course helps delegates understand why oral health matters in care settings and how staff can support daily mouth care in a respectful, person-centred and practical way. The course also explores common barriers, recognising concerns, recording and reporting issues, and supporting people to access appropriate dental care where needed.

Course Aim:

To increase delegates’ understanding of oral health and hygiene in care, and to support practical, respectful approaches to daily mouth care.

Learning Objectives:



• Explain why oral health is important for comfort, dignity, nutrition and wellbeing.
• Recognise common oral health issues and possible signs of discomfort.
• Understand the role of care staff in supporting daily mouth care.
• Identify barriers that may prevent effective oral hygiene.
• Support people in a person-centred and respectful way.
• Recognise when concerns should be recorded, reported or escalated.
• Understand the importance of care planning and access to dental
• services.

Mapping / How it supports:

Supports person-centred care, dignity, infection prevention, nutrition and hydration, communication, safeguarding awareness, care planning and safe escalation of concerns. Source grounding includes NICE NG48: Oral health for adults in care homes.