Failure to Follow Up on Dental Needs for Resident Requesting Dentures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow up on the dental needs of a resident who was missing upper teeth and expressed a desire to receive dentures. The resident, who had a tracheostomy and was able to make her own decisions, reported that she had requested to be seen by the facility dentist but was not updated on whether she would receive dental services. Record review showed that the resident's oral assessment at admission indicated she was unable to function without natural teeth and dentures, and subsequent nutrition evaluations noted several missing teeth. Dental notes documented that the resident requested upper dentures on two separate occasions, with recommendations to check eligibility for a full upper denture, but there was no documented evidence of follow-up by Social Services or Nursing regarding her eligibility. Interviews with facility staff, including a registered nurse, the Social Service Director, and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that no follow-up was conducted for the resident's dental requests. Staff acknowledged that the dental requests should have been followed up and that failure to do so could delay dental care services. Review of facility policies indicated that the facility is responsible for ensuring residents have access to needed dental services and that Social Services is responsible for scheduling such appointments, but these procedures were not followed in this case.