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

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.

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 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.

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.

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 prevention of oral diseases. I would like to increase oral health awareness for staff and families too.

Ideally oral health should be embedded into the general care at RACFs with oral health professionals as part of the interdisciplinary team to support oral health assessment and facilitate appropriate referral pathways.

7. Do you have any other comments?

I commend the DHAA for placing high priority on oral health for our ageing population, along with the tireless work in putting together the Aged Care Chapter and establishing the aged care education program. Thank you and well done!

Brie Jones

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your current experience?

I’m an OHT. Have worked full-time hours over a mix in private general practice and ortho since graduating in 2012. I reduced to part-time hours when I had my children and I’m currently working casual (one day-a-week) at my old practice while I start my own mobile preventative dental care business. I’m wanting to have my own business so I can work around family hours.

2. What are your thoughts on the oral health of our ageing population?

It absolutely breaks my heart to see the poor quality of care that the ageing population receives.

It also saddens me to hear that my previous patients no longer see a dental professional for their regular preventative care because it’s too hard to get them to a dental clinic.

3. What made you sign up to the chapter?

I want to enhance my clinical and personal skills in dealing with the ageing population.

4. Can you comment on your thoughts and experiences so far with the modules you have started?

I haven’t started yet... but hope to get right into it soon! I’m very excited.

5. What do you hope to achieve by completing this education program?

Being able to provide the best possible care I can to the ageing population.

6. What does optimal oral health care look like to you in the aged care community?

Having a dedicated oral health professional being available and accessible to aged care residents, either in facilities, retirement homes or in their own homes.

7. Do you have any other comments?

I’m excited to be a part of this amazing journey and look forward to being able to help create awareness and provide exceptional professional clinical care and support for our much loved ageing population.

Thank you for creating a supportive environment for oral health professionals to learn from.

Jacquie Biggar

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your current experience?

I am currently working in private practice, Sydney University and Senior Dental Care

2. What are your thoughts on the oral health of our ageing population?

There has been an overall decline in the oral health status of the ageing population. Older Australians are keeping their teeth for longer, and as a result the more teeth present in the oral cavity the more disease they actually experience. Our ability to look after ourselves diminishes as we age and we rely on other people, these care-givers are not trained to do this properly.

3. What made you sign up to the chapter?

I own a business (Senior Dental Care) which delivers services to the elderly. It seemed like a no-brainer to sign up to the Aged Care Chapter. I love collaborating with like-minded people, I feel like we can make a difference if we are sharing experiences, knowledge and wisdom.

4. Can you comment on your thoughts and experiences so far with the modules you have started?

I haven’t started the modules yet, but am very keen to.

5. What do you hope to achieve by completing this education program?

A solid understanding of the bigger picture, rather than just what I’m seeing in practice and what I can read and research myself.

6. What does optimal oral health care look like to you in the aged care community?

Carers, nurses and facility staff to be trained in how to provide oral health care, identifying oral health problems, and realising the impact these problems have on general health.

Mobile dental providers having access to patients without the financial stress.