Failure to Provide Dental Care for Resident with Missing Tooth
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide dental care for a resident who had a missing front tooth. The issue was first brought to the facility's attention in December 2023 when the Ombudsman relayed a complaint from the resident's family regarding the missing tooth and lack of communication from the facility. A review of the resident's medical record revealed no documentation regarding the missing tooth, no evidence that the resident had been seen by a dentist, and no nutritional assessments that included information about the resident's oral health. The resident had been in the facility since November 2022, and the missing tooth was still present at the time of the survey. During the survey, the resident was observed to have a missing front tooth, confirming the family's report. Interviews with the Medical Director and DON revealed that they were unaware of any documentation or assessments related to the missing tooth. The Medical Director expressed concern and stated that residents should be screened and evaluated for dental treatment, and that dental services should be offered if problems are identified. However, there was no evidence that such actions had been taken for this resident.