Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to promptly provide or obtain dental services for a resident who had been admitted with multiple medical conditions, including chronic pain and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The resident reported having multiple broken teeth and stated they had not seen a dentist since admission. The resident also indicated they had not been asked about their dental needs or desires to see a dentist. During an observation, holes were noted in two of the resident's lower left back teeth. The resident expressed discomfort when chewing tough or hard foods and voiced a desire to see a dentist. A review of the resident's records showed that the care plan identified a risk for oral or dental health problems and included interventions for daily oral hygiene. The resident was assessed as cognitively intact and required assistance with eating and oral hygiene. Despite these documented risks and needs, there was no evidence that dental services had been provided or arranged since the resident's admission. The Regional Nurse Consultant confirmed that the resident had not been seen by a dentist during their stay.