Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services for Resident with Broken Tooth
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assist a resident in obtaining necessary dental services when she reported a broken tooth causing discomfort. The resident, who had a diagnosis of dementia without behaviors and schizophrenia but was assessed as having no cognitive impairment, communicated her dental issue to staff. Despite her ability to express her needs and the care plan indicating she required assistance with oral hygiene, the care plan did not address any dental issues, and there was no documentation of follow-up for her reported discomfort. The Social Services Director was aware of the resident's dental concern and attempted to arrange care through the facility's mobile dentistry provider. However, the provider refused service due to an outstanding balance. The Social Services Director also attempted to contact other community dental providers, but none accepted the resident's insurance. Documentation showed that after the initial report of dental discomfort, there were no further notes addressing the resident's pain or discomfort, and the nursing staff was not notified of the issue. Interviews revealed that the Social Services Director did not inform nursing staff or the DON about the resident's dental concerns, and the Administrator was not notified until days after the issue was identified. The facility's policy required routine and emergency dental services to be available and for social services to assist with appointments and arrangements, but these procedures were not followed. As a result, the resident experienced ongoing discomfort and difficulty eating due to the lack of timely dental care.