My mouth matters: A dental care professional led oral health programme to improve oral health and mouth care to residents of care homes in the East of England

Abstract

Background: NHS England East of England led a working group to develop the ‘My Mouth Matters’ programme, aimed at developing a sustainable model for a Dental Care Professional (DCP) led service improvement pilot to improve mouth care and the oral health of adults in care homes. Objectives: Develop a Primary Care model, to support implementation of NICE NG48 guidance and quality standards, with the potential to upscale. Support the reduction of oral health inequalities and improve oral health and oral health related quality of life as an integral part of general health. Method: Primary Care dental practices in the East of England were commissioned to deliver My Mouth Matters. DCPs were upskilled and liaised with a nominated Oral Health Champion in each care home to provide oral health training, aid oral health policy development, and act as a direct link to a primary dental service provider. A pathway was developed to refer residents for oral health care. Results: The programme engaged with 34 care homes and 1674 residents. 280 resident care plans were evaluated: 54% of residents did not have a regular dentist, 29% required domiciliary care and 48% had additional access needs, 54% of residents did not know if they paid for their dental treatment. 71% of residents with dentures had a denture pot, 14% had their dentures marked, 38% of residents required some support and 24% required full support for oral health care, 10% of residents were prescribed high fluoride toothpaste. Conclusion: The My Mouth Matters programme demonstrated positive steps in developing a Primary Care model to improve oral health for care home residents. Further work to support models of engagement and training were highlighted as the main areas requiring development.