Failure to Provide Timely Dental Extractions and Dentures
Penalty
Summary
A resident was admitted to the facility and, over the course of nearly a year, repeatedly requested dental services, specifically the extraction of her remaining lower teeth and the provision of full dentures. Multiple dental progress notes documented the resident's ongoing requests for extractions and dentures, with the treatment plan reflecting these needs. Despite these documented requests and the resident's continued desire for dental intervention, the necessary extractions and denture process were not initiated in a timely manner. During interviews, the resident reported having four loose lower teeth and expressed frustration at the lack of progress, demonstrating the mobility of one of her teeth. Facility staff confirmed awareness of the resident's requests and the dental team's ability to perform extractions on-site. However, the resident was not scheduled for extractions, and the upcoming dental appointment was only for an initial exam with a new dentist, not for the requested procedure. The delay in providing the required dental services was acknowledged by facility leadership.