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Caring about aged care With Australia's aged care facilities seeing a growing number of residents arriving with their own teeth it's important that professional care is available on site By Shida Taheri
Education through Flinders University. In 2018, I was awarded the DHAA Award for Excellence in Clinical Education. As part of my graduate certificate studies, I focused on interdisciplinary facilitation specifically in the aged care setting.
Tina Pezzaniti 1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your current experience? I am a dental hygienist and clinical educator in the Faculty of Dental Studies TAFESA, Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene). I have worked as a dental hygienist since 2004 in a variety of general dental practices across Adelaide and the Barossa region. I have completed a Diploma in Dental Hygiene, Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, Flipped Learning certifications and more recently a Graduate Certificate in Clinical
2. What are your thoughts on the oral health of our ageing population? More people are entering into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) with their natural teeth and associated oral health risk factors where there are often barriers to provision of daily oral health care. As oral health practitioners we understand the links between oral health and systemic diseases and have the skills and knowledge to provide the necessary support to this population. I believe all people should have access to services that optimise health and wellbeing.
THE NEWLY-FORMED DHAA Aged Care Chapter has set itself an ambitious target. The intention is to get half of Australian residential aged care facilities to be serviced by a dental hygienist or oral health therapist by 2026, and 80% by 2031. The chapter was formed by a special interest group (SIG) who are passionate about oral health and overall health of our ageing population. Numerous dental professionals and experts have provided much time and thought in this education module, which was launched in July 2021 With a mission to empower members with the information and skills they would need to see aged care patients at facilities; we catch up with a few members that have already jumped on board.
3. What made you sign up to the chapter? My interest in the DHAA Aged Care Chapter was inspired by discussions with my colleague Alison Taylor. Her passion for aged care is infectious. I have always had an interest in aged care, with my first job as a 13 year old being a paper round in the RACF behind my parents house. I now also have family members who reside in residential care facilities. I want to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone to provide a needed service which will have a positive impact on older people’s quality of life. 4. Can you comment on your thoughts and experiences so far with the modules you have started? The education program is well designed. The learning modules are structured with purposeful learning activities that have contributed to my understanding of the content covered. The readings and
additional resources are up to date and current. This information is presented by a high calibre of presenters with a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. I am enjoying the learning so far, and excited to put it all into practice. 5. What do you hope to achieve by completing this education program? I would like to take this knowledge and implement a preventive oral health program in my local RACFs. I am also interested in gathering data to contribute to ongoing research in this area. I believe this education program will provide me with the tools to support me in making a difference in my local community. 6. What does optimal oral health care look like to you in the aged care community? I would like to see each resident supported with daily oral health care for the
