Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services and Denture Replacement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary dental services, including the timely provision and replacement of dentures, for a resident who had no natural teeth. Upon review, it was found that the resident was admitted and later readmitted to the facility, with documentation indicating intact cognitive skills and a need for dentures. The resident's treatment plan included a referral for new dentures, and the care plan required coordination for dental care and monitoring for oral issues. However, there was no evidence that a referral for dental services was made after the resident's readmission, despite orders for a dental evaluation and treatment as indicated. During an interview, the resident reported not being asked about dentures upon admission and expressed difficulty chewing, requiring staff to provide chopped food even though the resident was on a regular diet. The Social Services Director confirmed that it was their responsibility to follow up on the resident's dentures and acknowledged that this had not been done. The facility's policy stated that social services would assist with dental appointments and arrangements, and that lost or damaged dentures would be addressed per regulatory requirements, but these procedures were not followed in this case.