Failure to Provide Prompt Dental Services Following Referral
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to provide prompt dental services for a resident who was readmitted with diagnoses including diabetes and renal failure. The resident, who was able to communicate needs, was observed to have missing upper and lower teeth and expressed a desire to see a dentist for extractions and to obtain dentures or partial dentures. The resident's care plan included an intervention to refer to a facility dentist or dental hygienist as needed. Documentation showed that the resident was seen by a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), who referred the resident to a dentist and denturist after the resident requested dental care. Despite the RDH's referral, there was no evidence that the referral was acted upon in a timely manner. Staff interviews revealed that the RDH's report and referral were not noted by nursing staff or a provider, and there was no documentation explaining why the resident had not seen a dentist. The Social Services Director reported submitting a referral through a dental portal but could not provide documentation of the submission or any follow-up. The administrator confirmed the lack of documentation and was unable to explain the delay in dental care, noting that this did not meet expectations.