By implementing new care protocols, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has ensured that dentures are cleaned to remove pathogen laden plaque and biofilm, with additional benefits including improved resident self-esteem and staff compliance.
Denture hygiene in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)
Initiative Type
Model of Care
Status
Deliver
Added
24 August 2021
Last updated
24 April 2024
Summary
Key dates
Jan 2021
Implementation sites
Residential Aged Care Facilities
Partnerships
Qld Oral Health and RACF
Aim
To implement new denture care protocols in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) that will allow for dentures to be cleaned to remove pathogen laden plaque and biofilm and reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and subsequent hospitalisation.
Benefits
- resident self-esteem
- compliance by carers and nursing staff
- reduction in Emergency Department (ED) admissions and hospitalisations from aspiration pneumonia related illness
Background
- Denture Hygiene is paramount to the overall health of residents of aged care facilities and can contribute to the reduction of hospitalisations from pneumonia related illness.
- Research shows that overall improved oral health reduces pneumonia.
