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POOR ORAL HEALTH STANDARDS FOR SENIORS, LONG TERM CARE

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Alberta has no standards for managing seniors’ oral health in long-term
care.

The provincial government has resisted pressure from the College of
Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta to set standards for oral
assessments and care.
THE DOCUMENT INCLUDES NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE IMPACT OF POOR ORAL CARE ON INDIVIDUALS:
– pain and infection;
– compromised ability to meet nutritional needs;
– reduced ability to speak and communicate effectively;
– social isolation;
– and increased risk of systemic infection and disease.

Good oral health care impacts appetite as well as infection.
ADAPTED Edmonton Journal April 8, 2008