Thanks to a grant, more nurses aides in Iowa will learn how to provide basic dental care to their patients.
Michelle O'Neill reports the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation will give 150,000 dollars to a nonprofit called Iowa CareGivers.
Summary
The two-year grant is the continuation of a statewide effort to integrate oral health into standard care for seniors and those with disabilities. Di Findley, Director of Iowa CareGivers, says the Lifelong Smiles Coalition developed a training program for health care aides called, Mouth Care Matters. And, so far, 100 direct care workers have been trained.
Findley says standards for oral health care should be added to the intake process for nursing home patients, and especially for those receiving home health care services. For example, aides or nurses could ask a few simple questions, such as, "Can you eat?" or "Do you have sores or pain in your mouth?"
Delta Dental of Iowa is a nonprofit insurance company, and its foundation's purpose is to help improve oral health care in the state. More information is available online at Lifelong Smiles Coalition.