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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Poor oral hygiene in long-term care
Pamela S Stein1, Robert G Henry
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, KY, USA. pam.stein@uky.edu
Abstract:
The poor oral care given to vulnerable patients in long-term care settings can have serious consequences, including increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and pneumonia. Nurses can take action by making sure supplies are in place, promoting oral care to all direct care staff and administrators, and making evidence-based recommendations during resident care conferences.
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