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Extending Dental Care to Nursing Home Residents to Reduce Mouth Infections and Incidence of Pneumonia and Improve Diabetic Glucose Control
Sponsor: 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.
Official title: Extending Infection Control Dental Care to Nursing Home Residents Using Telehealth-Mediated Supervision: a Novel Solution to Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia Morbidity and Mortality.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
60 Years - 100 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
150
Start Date
2024-03-01
Completion Date
2026-08-28
Last Updated
2025-03-26
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Comprehensive 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.
Intraoral 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.
• 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.
Periodontal 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.
Periodontal Maintenance Procedure
A periodic evaluation and therapeutic support procedure for patients with a history of gum infections.
Application of Caries Arresting Medicament
Topical application of decay arresting or inhibiting medicament.
Oral Hygiene Assistance
Dental procedures aimed at educating patients on, and assisting patients with ,proper oral hygiene practices removing food debris, germ-laden plaque, and soft tartar using cloth wipes, toothbrush, floss, and using oral hygiene aids.
Referral for Treatment of Acute Oral Infection
Diagnosis and treatment of oral infection outside the scope of a dental hygienist or Expanded Function Dental Assistant.
Locations (1)
Office of Dental Health, Department of Health and Senior Services
Jefferson City, Missouri, United States