Failure to Ensure Timely Dental Services for Resident
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure that a resident requiring dental services received necessary and recommended care in a timely manner. The resident reported pain and discomfort due to missing and jagged teeth, which was confirmed by direct observation. Dental records indicated multiple missing, non-restorable, and fractured teeth, with recommendations for extractions and a need for a signed consent form from the responsible party. Despite these documented needs, the required consent was not obtained for nearly three months, and the resident was not scheduled for follow-up dental care as recommended by the dentist. Further review revealed delays in obtaining necessary dental x-rays and a lack of communication between facility staff and the dental provider. The resident's pain and dental issues persisted while the facility failed to ensure timely follow-up and did not communicate the urgency of the situation to the dental group. The resident was not placed on the list to be seen by the dentist until after surveyor intervention, and the dental provider was not made aware of the need for an earlier appointment until prompted by the surveyor.