Failure to Provide Recommended Dental Services for Edentulous Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure that a resident received recommended dental services. The resident, who was cognitively intact and independent with activities of daily living, was identified as edentulous and at risk for nutritional deficits. Despite being aware of his need for dentures and expressing dissatisfaction with having no teeth, the resident had not received dentures and was not informed about the status of obtaining them. Documentation showed that the dental group initially did not proceed with denture fabrication because the resident was expected to be discharged soon, as communicated by the social worker. However, when the resident remained in the facility beyond the anticipated discharge date, there was no evidence that the dental group was updated about the change in the resident's status. Interviews with facility staff revealed a lack of communication and follow-up regarding the resident's dental needs. The social services staff did not have direct contact with the dental service and did not notify them when the resident's discharge plans changed. The medical records director was unaware if the upcoming dental exam would address the denture issue and could not find documentation of any update to the dental group. The LPN confirmed that the resident had repeatedly expressed his desire for dentures. Additionally, the facility was unable to provide a policy or procedure regarding dental services when requested.