CHW117-Oral Care Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Oral Care Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and best practices for maintaining good oral health among residents at {{org_field_name}}. This policy ensures compliance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, NICE guidelines on oral health for adults in care homes, and the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016. By implementing a structured approach to oral care, we aim to improve residents’ overall well-being, prevent oral diseases, and enhance their quality of life.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees of {{org_field_name}}, including nurses, healthcare assistants, care workers, and any other staff involved in assisting residents with their oral hygiene. It covers preventive care, daily oral hygiene routines, risk assessments, specialist interventions, record-keeping, and staff training to ensure the highest standard of oral health care is provided.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy: Ensuring individualised oral care planning.
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy: Supporting safe oral hygiene practices.
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy: Identifying risks related to oral health issues.
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy: Preventing cross-contamination during oral care procedures.
CHW27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy: Ensuring staff competency in oral care delivery.

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all residents receive comprehensive oral care as part of their overall health and well-being. We recognise the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infections, discomfort, and complications such as pneumonia or malnutrition. This policy promotes a proactive approach to oral health, integrating it into daily care routines, assessments, and multidisciplinary support when necessary.

5. Oral Care Assessment and Personalised Care Plans

Each resident undergoes an oral health assessment upon admission and at regular intervals thereafter.
The assessment includes:
- Dental history and any existing conditions (e.g., gum disease, dentures, missing teeth, dry mouth).
- Ability to maintain personal oral hygiene independently.
- Identification of pain, difficulty swallowing, or infections.
- Nutritional concerns related to oral health.
Based on the assessment, a personalised oral care plan is developed and integrated into the resident’s overall care plan.
Plans are reviewed regularly or after any changes in the resident’s health status.

6. Daily Oral Care Routine

Residents will be supported to brush their teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
Dentures must be cleaned daily, and residents should be encouraged to remove them at night to maintain oral tissue health.
Where residents struggle with self-care, staff will assist using gentle techniques to prevent discomfort or distress.
Hydration monitoring is included in oral care routines to prevent dry mouth and related complications.
Where necessary, moisturising gels or sprays will be provided for residents with dry mouth conditions.

7. Managing Oral Health Issues

Pain Management: Any signs of dental pain, ulcers, or discomfort must be reported to the nurse in charge for further assessment and referral.
Infections and Gum Disease: Prompt referral to a dentist if infections, swollen gums, or persistent bad breath are observed.
Dentures and Prosthetic Management: Ensuring proper fitting, cleaning, and repair when necessary.
Difficulty Swallowing or Eating: Liaising with speech and language therapists (SALT) where oral health affects nutrition.

8. Dental Appointments and Specialist Referrals

Residents requiring dental check-ups or treatment will be referred to community dental services.
Mobile or domiciliary dental services will be arranged for residents unable to travel.
Emergency dental care pathways will be followed for urgent cases, including severe pain or suspected abscesses.
A designated member of staff will oversee appointment scheduling and resident escort arrangements.

9. Infection Prevention and Control in Oral Care

To ensure safe and hygienic oral care practices, {{org_field_name}} follows strict infection control procedures:

Hand hygiene: Staff must wash hands before and after assisting with oral care.
PPE Usage: Gloves and aprons must be worn when providing oral hygiene assistance.
Cleaning and Storage: Toothbrushes and dentures must be stored in clean, labelled containers to prevent contamination.
Disinfection of Oral Care Equipment: Reusable equipment such as denture cups and oral swabs must be disinfected regularly.

10. Training and Staff Competency

To ensure high standards of oral care, all care staff at {{org_field_name}} receive training on:

Oral health assessment and care planning.
Safe and effective toothbrushing techniques for dependent residents.
Recognising oral health concerns and signs of infection.
Denture care and maintenance.
Infection prevention and control in oral care delivery.
Communication techniques for residents with dementia or sensory impairments.

11. Documentation and Record-Keeping

To ensure compliance and continuity of care, staff must:

Document all oral care provided in the resident’s daily care record.
Record any observations of oral health deterioration, pain, or changes.
Update care plans following dental assessments or interventions.
Maintain records of dental visits, treatments, and follow-up recommendations.

12. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure efficient oral health management, {{org_field_name}} implements:

Routine Audits: Regular review of oral care records to ensure compliance.
Resident and Family Feedback: Encouraging input on the effectiveness of oral care practices.
CIW Compliance Checks: Ensuring oral care standards align with regulatory expectations.
Quality Assurance Reviews: Annual policy review based on audit findings and staff feedback.

13. Responsibilities

Care Staff: Responsible for providing daily oral care support and recording observations.
Registered Nurses: Monitor oral health, identify concerns, and arrange referrals where needed.
Designated Oral Care Champion (if applicable): Oversees compliance, training, and best practice implementation.
Registered Manager: Ensures policy adherence, supports staff training, and liaises with external dental services.
Residents and Families: Encouraged to participate in oral care planning and report concerns.

14. Compliance with CIW Regulations

This policy ensures compliance with CIW expectations by:

Providing a structured approach to oral health assessment and care.
Ensuring appropriate infection control practices in oral hygiene procedures.
Maintaining accurate records to support regulatory audits and inspections.
Facilitating access to dental care and specialist interventions when required.

15. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or updated in response to changes in legislation, CIW requirements, or oral health best practices. Any amendments will be communicated to all staff to ensure continued compliance and high standards of oral care.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.