Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services and Address Denture Concerns
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide or obtain appropriate dental services for a resident who experienced issues with his dentures. The resident, a male with diagnoses including COPD, dysphagia, and bipolar disorder, was admitted to the facility and initially received new dentures, which he reported fit well. However, within a short period, he reported that the bottom denture did not fit, causing him pain and difficulty eating certain foods. Despite informing the ADON about the issue, the resident did not receive timely follow-up or resolution for his denture concerns. The resident stated he communicated his denture problem to the ADON both shortly after receiving the dentures and again approximately two weeks prior to the survey. He expressed a preference to see a dentist outside of the facility's usual provider. The ADON acknowledged being told about the issue but did not check the resident's insurance, notify the Social Worker or DON, or document the concern in the resident's record. The Social Worker and DON were both unaware of the resident's ongoing denture problem until the time of the survey. Facility staff interviews revealed a lack of communication and follow-up regarding the resident's dental needs. The Social Worker indicated she would have arranged for dental services if she had been informed, and the DON stated she would have acted immediately had she known. The facility's policy required routine and emergency dental services to be provided according to the resident's assessment and care plan, but this was not followed in the resident's case.