Failure to Provide Timely Dental Services and Denture Replacement
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide or offer timely dental services to residents as needed, affecting two of four residents reviewed for dental care. One resident, who was cognitively intact and had all natural teeth removed following a medical procedure, did not receive follow-up for denture impressions or appointments after an initial cancellation due to insurance issues. Despite care plan interventions requiring coordination of dental care and follow-up, there was no evidence that further dental appointments were discussed or scheduled, and the resident confirmed he had not been approached about dentures, which made eating more challenging for him. Another resident, who had dementia and required assistance with self-care, lost her dentures at an unknown time and had not received assistance from the facility in obtaining a replacement. The care plan for this resident included staff observation for oral/dental issues and making dental appointments as needed, but the DON confirmed the resident had not been seen by a dentist for an extended period and was unaware of the missing dentures until the time of the interview.