Methods: Questionnaires were completed by carers from 20 nursing homes in metropolitan Melbourne.
Results: A total of 346 carers completed the questionnaires, 57% who were personal care assistants (PCAs), 25 % Div II nurses and 19% Div I nurses or Directors of Nursing(DON). DONs and Div I nurses were significantly older and had spent longer working in nursing homes than PCAs.
Only one-third of respondents reported receiving adequate training in oral health during their qualifications. About 35% of carers reported being trained in the practical aspects of provision of oral hygiene and only 17% of carers received training in the cause and prevention of oral conditions. Most carers had a sound understanding of the causes of dental caries and periodontal disease, but were less accurate with their knowledge of prevention of dental diseases. The interplay between periodontal disease and general health was poorly understood by all carers, and PCAs in particular.
Most carers seemed to have good oral hygiene practices and attended the dentist regularly, and seemed to feel the same was desired for residents.
Conclusion: The oral health knowledge of carers at nursing homes is influenced by their level of training. Hence, improvement of carer training is likely to lead to improvements in resident health.
Supported by Alzheimer's Australia Hazel Hawke Research Grant and Dental Health Services Victoria Research Grant