DCW117-Oral Care Policy
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{{org_field_name}}
Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Oral Care Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all individuals receiving care from {{org_field_name}} are provided with appropriate oral health support. Oral health is a key factor in overall well-being, contributing to comfort, self-esteem, communication, and nutrition. Poor oral health can lead to pain, difficulty eating, infections, and a diminished quality of life.
This policy is designed to outline best practices for assisting individuals with their oral hygiene while respecting their dignity and personal preferences. It also ensures that all staff are trained and competent in providing oral care, understanding the risks associated with poor oral hygiene, and recognising when professional dental intervention is required. The policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, and CIW best practices.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all care staff employed by {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, support staff, and the management team. It also extends to all individuals receiving domiciliary support services, regardless of their level of need, ensuring that each person’s oral health is appropriately managed.
The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for overseeing the implementation and adherence to this policy. It also applies to external professionals, such as dentists and healthcare workers, who collaborate with {{org_field_name}} to provide specialist oral care support when needed.
3. Policy Statement
At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to ensuring that service users receive high-quality oral care as part of their overall health and personal care plan. We acknowledge that oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining self-esteem, preventing infections, and supporting good nutrition.
We strive to deliver oral care in a compassionate, respectful, and professional manner, always upholding the individual’s rights, preferences, and choices. We will take a proactive approach to oral hygiene, incorporating it into daily personal care routines and responding swiftly to any concerns. We will work closely with healthcare professionals to address oral health issues and ensure access to routine and emergency dental care.
4. Managing Oral Care Efficiently
4.1. Oral Health Assessment
Each service user will undergo a comprehensive oral health assessment as part of their initial care planning. This assessment will establish their oral health needs, level of independence, and any pre-existing dental conditions. The assessment will include checking for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, oral pain, and other concerns such as difficulty swallowing or excessive dry mouth.
This assessment will be documented in the Personal Care Plan and will be reviewed regularly. The frequency of review will depend on the individual’s needs, but as a minimum, it will be included in the annual care review. Any changes in the individual’s oral health status will trigger an immediate reassessment.
4.2. Daily Oral Care Support
Service users who require assistance with oral hygiene will receive dedicated support as part of their daily personal care routine. This will include brushing their teeth or dentures at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, ensuring proper cleaning of the gums and tongue, and rinsing the mouth after meals to maintain oral cleanliness.
Staff will use a person-centred approach, encouraging service users to participate in their own oral hygiene as much as possible. If a service user is unable to perform oral care independently, staff will provide full assistance while ensuring that the individual is comfortable and respected throughout the process. If a service user refuses oral care, staff will attempt to encourage compliance in a gentle and respectful manner while recording the refusal in their care notes. If refusals persist, concerns will be escalated to the management team for further intervention.
4.3. Use of Equipment and Hygiene Standards
All oral care tools, such as toothbrushes, dentures, floss, and mouthwash, must be kept clean and stored in a hygienic manner. Each service user’s toothbrush and oral hygiene products will be stored separately and replaced regularly to prevent bacterial contamination.
Dentures should be cleaned daily using appropriate denture cleaning solutions and stored in clearly labelled containers when not in use. Staff will ensure that care is taken when handling dentures to prevent breakage or loss.
All care staff must wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves and aprons, when assisting with oral hygiene to maintain infection control standards. PPE must be disposed of appropriately after each use, and staff must adhere to infection prevention and control procedures as outlined in {{org_field_infection_control_lead_name}}’s guidelines.
4.4. Identifying and Managing Oral Health Issues
Care staff are required to monitor service users’ oral health closely and report any concerns to the Registered Manager. Issues to be reported include signs of gum disease, oral infections, swelling, mouth ulcers, pain, broken or loose teeth, and ill-fitting dentures.
If a service user experiences oral discomfort or shows signs of a dental issue, staff will encourage them to seek dental treatment and will support them in arranging an appointment. In cases where an individual is unable to express discomfort verbally, staff will look for non-verbal signs of pain, such as facial grimacing, refusal to eat, or increased agitation.
If a service user persistently refuses oral care or experiences significant dental problems, the case will be referred to a healthcare professional for further assessment.
4.5. Access to Dental Services
Maintaining access to professional dental care is essential for ensuring good oral health. {{org_field_name}} will support service users in attending routine and emergency dental appointments by assisting with scheduling visits, arranging transportation, and providing emotional reassurance if required.
For individuals with mobility difficulties or complex health conditions, efforts will be made to arrange home visits from a dental professional whenever possible. {{org_field_name}} will work collaboratively with NHS and private dental services to ensure that service users receive timely and appropriate treatment.
4.6. Oral Care for Individuals with Complex Needs
Some individuals may require additional support with oral hygiene due to conditions such as dementia, stroke, or physical disabilities. Staff will receive specialised training on gentle oral care techniques to assist individuals with reduced mobility, cognitive impairments, or heightened sensitivity.
For individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), staff will follow recommended techniques to minimise choking risks while maintaining oral hygiene. In cases where individuals are tube-fed, their mouths will still be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial infections.
4.7. Staff Training and Competency
All staff members involved in providing oral care will receive comprehensive training as part of their induction. This training will cover best practices for oral hygiene, recognising and reporting oral health issues, proper handling of dentures, and infection control procedures.
Refresher training will be provided annually, and additional sessions will be arranged as needed to ensure that all staff remain competent and up to date with best practices. Managers will conduct routine competency checks to ensure staff are following correct procedures and providing safe and effective oral care.
5. Related Policies
This Oral Care Policy aligns with and should be read alongside the following policies:
Person-Centred Care Policy (DCW07) – Ensures that all care provided is tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Dignity and Respect Policy (DCW08) – Reinforces the commitment to delivering care that upholds personal dignity.
Meeting Nutritional and Hydration Needs Policy (DCW12) – Recognises the link between oral health and adequate nutrition.
Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17) – Provides guidance on maintaining hygiene and reducing infection risks.
Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13) – Ensures protection against neglect, including neglect of oral health.
Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy (DCW27) – Supports ongoing staff competency and education.
Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16) – Covers workplace safety standards, including PPE use and hygiene management.
6. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if changes occur in legislation, regulatory requirements, or best practices. Any updates will be communicated to all staff, and necessary training will be provided to ensure compliance.
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.