Long-Term Care and Oral Health Knowledge

Poor oral care correlates with an increase in systemic diseases such as aspiration pneumonia. Lack of education and oral care knowledge in caregivers raises the risk of poor oral care among elderly patients residing in long-term care facilities. This study investigated the results of an education program provided by speech-language pathologists for certified nursing assistants (CNA). Data pre- and post-oral health care knowledge education program were collected. Data on oral health of patients prior to and subsequent to the education were also collected. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2009; 10: 204-206)