Failure to Timely Replace Lost Denture
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diabetes was admitted to the facility and, according to their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) report, sometimes required assistance with oral care. The resident reported that the facility lost their lower denture after placing it on the bedside table, possibly wrapped in a napkin while applying adhesive. When the resident later attempted to eat a snack, the lower denture could not be found. Facility staff, including CNAs, searched the bedding, laundry, and dietary department but were unable to locate the missing denture. Documentation showed that the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) informed the resident they were responsible for the care of their dentures and would need to pay for a replacement. The Administrator stated they were not notified of the missing denture at the time it was lost, and as a result, the process to replace the denture was not initiated promptly. This failure to ensure timely replacement of the lost denture constituted a deficiency in providing or obtaining necessary dental services for the resident.