Oral health in care homes

Healthwatch Sandwell supported Sandwell Public Health's Oral Health Needs Assessment by surveying care homes about oral health policies, daily care practices and access to dental services. Of 89 care homes contacted, 29 responded, providing a snapshot of current practice. Overall, the findings suggested that oral health care is generally well established in participating homes, with strong levels of policy adoption, staff support and resident assistance. 

The survey found that 97% of responding homes had an oral health policy or routine in place, while 90% reported that residents were always supported with daily oral hygiene. Most homes accessed dental care through NHS dental services, and staff training levels were high, with 83% reporting that staff had received oral health training. Respondents generally rated the quality of oral health support positively, with most describing it as good or excellent.

The main challenges related to access rather than the quality of care provided within homes. Availability of dentists and transport were the most commonly reported barriers, potentially making it harder for residents to access routine and urgent dental treatment. The survey also found variation in approaches to dental check-ups, with some homes arranging annual reviews while others sought appointments only when problems arose. 

Healthwatch recommended maintaining and regularly reviewing oral health policies, strengthening daily oral hygiene support, encouraging more preventive dental reviews, extending staff training, improving links with local dental providers and addressing transport barriers. The report also recommended ongoing monitoring of oral health practice and repeating the survey in future to track progress and expand participation across care homes in Sandwell.