Failure to arrange transportation for a resident’s dental appointment. A cognitively intact resident with dementia, DM2, and mouth cellulitis/abscess had ongoing mouth sores, drooling, and speech difficulty, but missed an oral surgery appointment when the assigned transporter did not come in. Interviews showed the facility relied on ad hoc coverage by the ADON, a CNA, and the Administrator, and the resident remained unsure when he would be seen.
A resident with dementia and other chronic conditions had an initial dental exam showing non-restorable teeth and a need for extractions and complete dentures, but the facility did not follow through with the dental referral or help arrange the needed follow-up. The resident was later observed with blackened teeth and reported pain when eating hard foods, while staff gave inconsistent accounts of awareness and responsibility for the dental process. The DON said black teeth should trigger dental services, and the administrator stated the SSW should have followed up on the referral.
Failure to provide routine dental services for a resident with severe cognitive impairment and extensive oral care needs. The resident stated she wanted to see a dentist and had not received dental services, while observation showed missing teeth and dark gums. The SW said routine dental appts were yearly but there was no documentation of dental services, and she stated Medicaid was not a payer source for routine dental care. The RCN stated routine dental care was important and payer source was not a factor.
Failure to provide routine dental services for a resident with poor dentition and moderate cognitive impairment. The resident reported having only a few teeth, wanting dentures to eat better, and not having seen a dentist since admission; the ADM confirmed no dental referral had been made and the record contained no dental-related follow-up.
A resident with significant cognitive impairment, diabetes, malnutrition, and broken or decayed teeth was not referred for routine dental care after admission. Staff stated dental referrals were tied to insurance status, and the Social Worker could not provide proof of an initial referral or that the resident had been on the dental list for the prior 2 months. The resident said he needed a dentist but did not know the facility could send him, while the ADON and DON stated all residents should receive routine dental services regardless of complaints.
Failure to arrange routine dental services for a resident with severe cognitive impairment, dysphagia, and dependence for oral hygiene. The resident had missing and broken teeth, and the chart contained no completed dental care or dental assessments. Social work staff stated they were responsible for scheduling dental appointments but could not locate any dental records for the resident.
Failure to Arrange and Follow Up on Dental Care: A resident with dementia and multiple chronic conditions had documented severe dental decay, plaque, and loose non-restorable teeth after a dental eval, but the facility did not complete follow-up for recommended extractions or document why care was delayed. The resident said she wanted dental care and had oral pain at times, while the SW initially said she refused services but later admitted he confused her with another resident. The RP said she was not informed of the dental recommendations until much later and had never refused treatment; the DON acknowledged the facility should have followed up.
A resident with a history of cellulitis and oral abscess reported right-sided tooth pain with blood and pus, prompting the DON to request a dental consult and an LVN to obtain an antibiotic order. Although the physician-signed dental paperwork was dated the same day, the SW delayed submitting the dental referral and did not send it until several days later, believing the short antibiotic course was sufficient. Before the referral was sent, the resident developed significant right-sided facial swelling and severe pain, leading an LVN to notify the physician and transfer the resident to the ER, where he was treated for dental pain due to toothache and discharged on additional antibiotics and chlorhexidine with instructions for dental follow-up.
Failure to provide routine dental services for a resident with bipolar disorder and dementia. The resident had severely impaired cognition, no documented routine or emergency dental provider care in the chart, and prior records showed dental pain, hot/cold sensitivity, and tooth pain. During observation, the resident had multiple missing teeth and brown discoloration to remaining teeth. The DON/Administrator stated the resident had not received dental care since 2024 because he had not complained of new issues and the facility had not pursued another dental provider.
A resident with intact cognition, diabetes, CHF, and a mechanically altered diet was not assisted with routine or emergency dental care despite reporting that she had not seen a dentist since admission and showing broken teeth at the gum line, loose lower teeth, and missing upper teeth. Staff said dental concerns and appointments were handled by the DON and SW but had been overlooked, and the resident was not on the list of residents who had seen the dentist.
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