Failure to Provide Follow-Up Dental Services for Resident Requesting Partial Dentures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary dental services for a resident who requested partial dentures. The resident, who had a history of intracerebral hemorrhage and respiratory failure, was observed to have a large gap in the upper row of teeth and expressed feeling embarrassed and self-conscious due to missing teeth. Documentation showed that the resident had moderate cognitive impairment and required assistance with eating and oral hygiene. The physician had referred the resident for annual and as-needed dental consultations, and dental notes indicated the resident requested partial dentures. However, social services notes from the same date stated no recommendations were given, and there was no evidence of follow-up or provision of dentures after the resident's request. Interviews with the Social Services Director and the DON confirmed that the social services department was responsible for following up on dental evaluations and resident needs, but no follow-up dental services or dentures were provided after the initial request. The facility's policies required social services staff to make referrals, secure dental care, and document interactions, but these steps were not completed for this resident. The DON acknowledged that the lack of dentures could potentially result in weight loss and swallowing issues for the resident.