Failure to Follow Up on Dental Services for Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow up on dental services for a resident who was admitted with diagnoses of moderate protein-calorie malnutrition and dysphagia. The resident was cognitively intact and had been evaluated by a dentist, who noted the resident was edentulous and had old dentures with an inadequate fit. The dental note indicated the resident requested new dentures with smaller teeth. An order for a dental consultation and treatment as needed was placed, but there was no evidence in the record that the facility followed up on the request for new dentures or arranged additional dental consultations. During interviews and record reviews, it was confirmed that the resident had not seen the dentist again after the initial evaluation, and the Social Services Director, who was responsible for following up on dental recommendations, was unaware of the outstanding dental needs. The Director of Nursing also acknowledged the importance of following up on dental recommendations. The facility's policy required routine dental care and consultation as needed, but this was not carried out for the resident in question.