Oral Health Award for Dundee care homes

Oral Health Award for Dundee care homes

WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL, 2017

PHOTOS ATTACHED 1 – STAFF AND RESIDENTS AT MAGDALEN HOUSE CARE HOME

2 – STAFF AND RESIDENTS AT FERRY HOUSE CARE HOME

Oral Health Award for Dundee care homes

Magdalen House and Ferry House care homes in Dundee have been awarded the Oral Health Award by NHS Tayside.

The award was developed by the NHS Tayside oral health improvement team in 2011 to encourage homes to include new oral health standards as part of the residents’ care package. It also incorporates the national Caring for Smiles Training tool.

NHS Tayside oral health co-ordinator Carrie Phillips said, “We have been working across Tayside to encourage care homes to get involved and receive acknowledgment for the standard of mouth care for their residents. This is a great accolade and demonstrates the high standards of care available in care homes.”

The award criteria include:

    • Developing an oral health policy for the home

    • Developing individual resident oral care plans

    • Mouth checks within one week of admission

    • Referral to a dentist of choice and screening by a dentist at least every two years

    • Ensuring residents have appropriate toothpaste and toothbrush

    • Ensure, where appropriate, residents’ dentures are named and they have denture boxes

    • At least 75% of staff receiving specific oral health training

Dental health support worker Gemma Bain covers all care homes in Dundee and has worked closely with staff and residents at Magdalen House and Ferry House. Gemma said, “The staff, especially the identified oral health champions have worked hard over the past few months to meet the criteria. I look forward to working with other Dundee care homes to encourage participation and promote oral health issues.”

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications, (01382) 740718

26 April 2017