How To Provide Quality Dental Services In Nursing Homes

Providing nursing home dental services comes with a lot of challenges and rewards. If you provide dental services in nursing homes, there are a few important things you need to know to ensure you provide quality services. 

Know what the patient is capable and not capable of doing without help 

Some seniors will feel insulted when you try to help them brush their teeth when they can do it themselves. It is, therefore, important to ask them whether they need some help. However, if they claim that they do not need help in maintaining their oral health, it is important to observe them and ensure they are doing everything correctly. Are they using the proper method to floss and brush their teeth? If not, you should teach them how to do it correctly. 

Mobile dental care is necessary 

Some nursing homes residents have mobility challenges and may find it challenging to visit a dentist. Mobile dental care will therefore be necessary to bring the services to the patients instead of stressing them with a long journey to visit your dental clinic. 

Understand any underlying health problems the patient may have 

As people age, they develop a lot of health complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, muscle loss, low blood pressure, and more. Some medications you give them can interact badly with the medications they are already using. It is, therefore, crucial to understand any underlying health complications that the patient may be having to know how to treat them effectively. 

Build a rapport 

When providing nursing home dental services, it is important to know the benefits of building a rapport with the residents you are treating. Some people will not speak up about their problems if they do not trust you. Building trust is one of the best ways to know the best treatment approach to take.