Failure to Provide Routine Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure routine prophylactic dental services for a resident, identified as Resident 62, who was reviewed for dental concerns. An interview with Resident 62 revealed that he had natural teeth but had never received a cleaning from a dental hygienist or professional, and he was responsible for brushing his own teeth. An interview with the Director of Nursing confirmed the absence of evidence showing that a hygienist or dental professional had provided preventative cleaning for Resident 62 in the past year. A progress note from the facility's consulting dental provider, dated September 17, 2024, indicated an annual exam by the dentist, revealing heavy soft plaque and food debris buildup, light hard calculus deposits, moderate gingival inflammation, and a moderate risk for caries. The recommended treatment plan was for preventative cleanings every six months, but there was no clinical record evidence that these cleanings were provided in the past year.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident 62 to have dental cleaning by dental professional. 2. DON/Designee will audit current residents who resided in the Center during the past 12 months to identify those who may have not received a dental cleaning. 3. DON/Designee will educate nursing staff on 483.55(b). 4. DON/Designee will conduct random audits weekly X 4 weeks and then monthly X 3 months to validate residents have received or have been offered dental cleaning in prior 12 months. Results of the inspections will be submitted to the QAPI team. 5. Date of compliance 1/30/25.