Failure to Provide Routine Dental Services for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide routine dental services for a resident, specifically concerning the replacement of missing partial dentures. Resident 86, who had partial dentures for both the upper and lower jaw, reported that her dentures had been missing for a period ranging from eight months to a year. Despite the resident's indication that the facility's consultant dental provider was supposed to be making new dentures, there was no documentation or grievance form available to confirm when the dentures went missing. An observation of Resident 86 revealed that she had natural teeth and was missing some teeth, which corroborated her claim of missing dentures. The clinical record review showed that the resident's plan of care, created upon admission, acknowledged her need for partial dentures. A progress note from the facility's consultant dental provider dated October 29, 2024, indicated that an assessment of the resident's bite for the molds of new partial dentures had been conducted, marking it as the second assessment. However, the facility lacked a policy or procedure to address the loss or damage of resident property, including dentures, as confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator and the Director of Nursing. This deficiency highlights the facility's failure to ensure the timely replacement of essential dental appliances for the resident.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident 86 has a follow up dental appointment to receive her new partials. 2. Social services/designee conducted an audit of residents with partial/ dentures to verify all are accounted for. Findings were addressed at the time of the audit. 3. Social services will be re-educated on notifying dental services within 3 days after partial/dentures are reported missing. 4. Unit manager/designee will conduct random audits of 5 residents with partial/ dentures to verify they are accounted for weekly x4 and monthly x3. Results of audits will be reviewed by the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee and changes will be made as necessary.