Failure to Provide Timely Dental Care for Resident with Oral Pain
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident received timely routine and emergency dental care. The resident, who was cognitively impaired and had multiple diagnoses including diabetes, COPD, and depression, was documented as edentulous but retained a few lower front teeth. The care plan noted the resident's refusal to wear dentures and identified her as being at nutritional risk. In July, the care plan was updated to reflect complaints of lower gum pain, and staff were directed to monitor for oral and dental problems. On August 17, a progress note documented the resident's report of mouth pain due to a broken tooth, with visible redness and bleeding at the site. Staff were instructed to provide pain relief and monitor for infection, and a dental follow-up was recommended. Despite these documented issues and the resident's ongoing complaints, there was no evidence in the medical record that the facility attempted to arrange a dental appointment prior to September 10. The resident's representative expressed concern about the lack of dental care, noting the resident had only four lower teeth and a recently broken tooth. The DON confirmed the resident had recently started complaining of oral discomfort but did not provide a reason for the delay in scheduling a dental appointment in July or August.