Abstract
Introduction A pilot project was developed whereby vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) became involved in the Caring for Smiles programme, visiting care homes and observing staff training.Aim The project aimed to explore VDPs' views and experiences of delivering oral healthcare in the care home environment.Method Qualitative data were collected via an online questionnaire and reflective logs. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to extract emerging themes.Results Six themes emerged from the data, demonstrating that the VDPs had become aware of the general health and oral health needs of the care home population, and their role as dentists in the provision of oral care. The VDPs also had an increased awareness of Caring for Smiles.Discussion The VDPs benefited from participation in the pilot; it raised their awareness but also exposed them to an environment with which many were unfamiliar. Some VDPs expressed an interest in providing oral care in care homes in the future and discussed the need for domiciliary care.Conclusion The participating VDPs gained a level of experience and familiarity with older patients, Caring for Smiles and the care home environment that may improve the care they provide to their patients.
Highlights
A pilot project was developed whereby vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) became involved in the Caring for Smiles programme, visiting care homes and observing staff training
Six themes emerged from the data, demonstrating that the VDPs had become aware of the general health and oral health needs of the care home population, and their role as dentists in the provision of oral care
The participating VDPs gained a level of experience and familiarity with older patients, Caring for Smiles and the care home environment that may improve the care they provide to their patients
Summary
A pilot project was developed whereby vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) became involved in the Caring for Smiles programme, visiting care homes and observing staff training. The Caring for Smiles programme was developed by Scotland’s National Older People’s Oral Health Improvement Group in 2010 as a result of the Dental Action Plan, which identified older people as a priority group.[3,4] there was an increase in dentate older adults, there remained edentulous residents within care homes who could experience problems relating to wearing and cleaning of dentures, and dentate residents often had heavily restored dentitions. These factors, in addition to the potential for care staff to encounter challenges when attempting to address residents’ oral health needs, including care-resistant behaviour from residents, demonstrated that there was a need for ‘tailored, evidence-based resources to promote best practice’.4
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
