Failure to Provide Routine Dental Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents received routine dental care as required. One resident did not have visible teeth or dentures and reported that her dentures did not fit properly, expressing a need to be seen by a dentist. Her oral health evaluation indicated she was at risk for oral health and dental care problems, and her last dental appointment was over a year prior. Although there was a physician order for a dental referral, there was no evidence of a follow-up dental appointment for this resident. Another resident was observed with decayed front teeth and stated he had not seen a dentist since before his admission. His records showed he was at risk for oral health and dental care problems, had a care plan noting this risk, and had a physician note documenting bleeding gums. Despite a dental referral order, there was no record of a dental appointment. The unit manager confirmed that both residents had not seen a dentist in the required timeframe and acknowledged issues with finding consistent dental providers.