Extending Infection Control Dental Care to Nursing Home Residents Using Telehealth-Mediated Supervision: a Novel Solution to Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia Morbidity and Mortality.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Summary
The goal of this study is to learn if dental infection control treatment delivered to older adult nursing home residents at their place of residence will result in : * improved dental health * reduced risk of pneumonia * better glucose control for diabetic patients compared to the pre-project dental and general health evaluations of residents and the pre-project facility incidence of pneumonia. Dental infection control treatment includes treating gum infections, stopping or slowing decay with fluoride, and assisting residents with effective tooth brushing and denture cleaning daily. Previous studies indicate dental infections can be inhaled and cause pneumonia or make diabetes worse. A shortage of dentists has limited care for nursing home residents. This project will allow dental hygienists and specially trained dental assistants to treat nursing home residents using telehealth methods (computers, cameras, internet, and telephone) to talk and work with dentists in different locations.
Description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To evaluate the periodontal health of nursing home residents who receive dental infection control treatment at their residential nursing care facility provided by dental hygienists and dental assistants compared to the pre-project health evaluations of the same patients using diagnostic criteria endorsed jointly by the American Academy of Periodontists and the European Federation of Periodontists. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES II. To evaluate the incidence of pneumonia in the group of nursing home residents who received dental infection control treatment 1 year after treatment c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult \> 60 years of age residing in a nursing home or communal care setting; * Review of Medical history results in an assigned American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Evaluation of Class II or III; * Frailty Assessment of Low or Moderate using the Modified FRAIL Questionnaire; * Consent is required for study participation, disease control oral healthcare, and access to medical records. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 60; * American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Evaluation of Class IV or V; * High frailty evaluation using the Modified FRAIL Q…
Interventions
- OtherComprehensive Oral Evaluation
A thorough check-up of teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues, including medical and dental history, to assess overall oral health and identify any infections.
- OtherIntraoral Complete Radiographic Series
A series of x-rays of the whole mouth intended to display the, teeth, roots, periapical areas, bone, and areas without teeth.
- Other• Teledentistry-synchronous and asynchronous
The delivery or coordination of care for a patient using synchronous; real-time or aysnchronous communication between care providers or between care providers and a patient.
- ProcedurePeriodontal Therapy
A therapeutic procedure designed to remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) causing gum infections that can lead to tooth loss and other medical complications.
- ProcedurePeriodontal Maintenance Procedure
A periodic evaluation and therapeutic support procedure for patients with a history of gum infections.
Location
- Office of Dental Health, Department of Health and Senior ServicesJefferson City, Missouri