Failure to Provide Dental Services for Resident with Damaged Dentures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary dental services for a resident who reported missing and loose teeth in her dentures. The resident, who had a diagnosis of arthritis and was cognitively intact, was documented as being edentulous and wearing both upper and lower dentures. Her care plan instructed staff to assess the fit of her dentures and to provide a dental evaluation by a licensed dentist if needed. Progress notes indicated that the resident's durable power of attorney (DPOA) was informed about the broken dentures and requested a dental appointment, with no preference for a specific dentist. Despite these documented needs and requests, there was no evidence in the medical record that the social service designee (SSD) successfully arranged a dental appointment or followed up on the repair or replacement of the dentures over a two-month period. Observations showed the resident eating independently with her dentures in place, but staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness or action regarding the dental issue. The SSD acknowledged being aware of the problem but had only attempted to contact one local dentist who was not accepting new patients and had not explored other options or communicated further with the DPOA. The administrative nurse mentioned a possible issue with the resident's bone structure preventing new dentures but could not provide documentation to support this. The facility's policy required the provision of medically related social services to maintain or improve residents' abilities, but this was not followed in the resident's case.