Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services for Resident with Denture Issues
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely dental services to a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dementia, dysphagia, and adult failure to thrive. The resident, who was edentulous, had all teeth extracted and received new dentures, but experienced ongoing issues with the fit and comfort of the dentures. Documentation indicated that the resident's gums had healed, and she was having difficulty chewing food with the dentures, which were reported as loose and causing discomfort. Although the registered nurse was to notify the social worker to add the resident to the dental list for evaluation, there was no documentation in the electronic medical record that the resident was seen by the dentist after these issues were reported. Observations over several days showed the resident not wearing her dentures during meals and while in her room. Interviews with staff revealed that the resident did not wear her dentures consistently, with some staff believing the dentures caused pain and others attributing non-use to the resident not being accustomed to them. The social services director stated that the dentist visited weekly but confirmed the resident was not seen during the relevant period and was not notified about the denture issues. The resident's representative was aware the resident was not wearing dentures but was not informed about the need for adjustment.