Extending Dental Care to Nursing Home Residents to Reduce Mouth Infections and Incidence of Pneumonia and Improve Diabetic Glucose Control

Summary

The goal of this study is to learn if dental infection control treatment delivered to older adult nursing home residents at their place of residence will result in :

* improved dental health
* reduced risk of pneumonia
* better glucose control for diabetic patients compared to the pre-project dental and general health evaluations of residents and the pre-project facility incidence of pneumonia. Dental infection control treatment includes treating gum infections, stopping or slowing decay with fluoride, and assisting residents with effective tooth brushing and denture cleaning daily. Previous studies indicate dental infections can be inhaled and cause pneumonia or make diabetes worse. A shortage of dentists has limited care for nursing home residents. This project will allow dental hygienists and specially trained dental assistants to treat nursing home residents using telehealth methods (computers, cameras, internet, and telephone) to talk and work with dentists in different locations.

Conditions

• Periodontitis
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal Disease
• Periodontal Infections
• Oral Infections
• Periapical Infections
• Pneumonia
• Diabetes

Interventions

OTHER

Comprehensive Oral Evaluation

A thorough check-up of teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues, including medical and dental history, to assess overall oral health and identify any infections.

OTHER

Intraoral Complete Radiographic Series

A series of x-rays of the whole mouth intended to display the, teeth, roots, periapical areas, bone, and areas without teeth.

OTHER

• Teledentistry-synchronous and asynchronous

The delivery or coordination of care for a patient using synchronous; real-time or aysnchronous communication between care providers or between care providers and a patient.

PROCEDURE

Periodontal Therapy

A therapeutic procedure designed to remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) causing gum infections that can lead to tooth loss and other medical complications.

PROCEDURE

Periodontal Maintenance Procedure

A periodic evaluation and therapeutic support procedure for patients with a history of gum infections.

PROCEDURE

Application of Caries Arresting Medicament

Topical application of decay arresting or inhibiting medicament.

OTHER

Oral Hygiene Assistance

Dental procedures aimed at educating patients on, and assisting patients with ,proper oral hygiene practices removing food debris, germ-laden plaque, and soft tartar using cloth wipes, toothbrush, floss, and using oral hygiene aids.

PROCEDURE

Referral for Treatment of Acute Oral Infection

Diagnosis and treatment of oral infection outside the scope of a dental hygienist or Expanded Function Dental Assistant.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Max Age

100 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-03-01

Primary Completion

2026-08-28

Completion

2026-08-28

Countries

• United States

Study Locations