Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Unlabelled:
There is increasing demand for Domiciliary Oral Healthcare (DOHC) and the skills and equipment required to provide a quality, patient-centred service with careful assessment and management in a sometimes compromised situation. Commissioning of DOHC needs to be set in the context and current agenda of equality, diversity and human rights in both health and social care. Effective marketing and community engagement are required to promote awareness of how to access services amongst people confined to home and their families and carers. Training for the whole dental team should be available in order to address the concerns and problems encountered regarding the provision of DOHC.
Clinical Relevance:
Members of the dental team should be aware of the skills required for DOHC and be familiar with using effective care pathways in relation to the provision of DOHC.
Related Concept Videos
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
The Oral Microbiota
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...

