National Oral Health Care for Seniors
CDHA welcomes a national discussion of priorities and opportunities to do better for older adults in Canada. Everyone needs access to preventive oral hygiene services. Yet for many vulnerable older adults, oral health care services are often unaffordable and inaccessible, putting them at greater risk for poor oral and overall health.
When it comes to older adults aging in communities or in long-term care homes, meeting the oral health care needs of this population should not be missed. That’s why seniors’ oral health has been a long-standing priority for CDHA. Learn more about our recommendations for supporting real, positive oral health outcomes for older adults in Canada.
A Senior's Perspective
CDHA National Ad Campaign
Oral Health for Seniors
CDHA Policy Paper Lays Out a National Oral Health Care Plan for Canadian Seniors
Millions of Canadians do not have access to professional oral health care, which has
an impact on their overall health. Sadly, this is the reality for many seniors and low-income Canadians. Those who do not have dental coverage and cannot afford the
additional expense of oral hygiene services are at greater risk for poor oral and overall health.
National Standards for Long-Term Care: Addressing Oral Health for Overall Health
CDHA welcomes a national discussion of priorities and opportunities to do better for people living in LTC homes across Canada. When it comes to national
standards for providing safe, reliable, and high-quality care in LTC homes, meeting the oral health care needs of residents cannot be missed.
Public Opinion Polling Results
on Seniors’ Oral Health in Canada
With our advocacy focus on seniors’ oral health, we commissioned a national survey of 2,200 Canadian residents from January 7 to 12, 2022, for their views and insights. The findings from Abacus Data suggest that most Canadians give the state of oral care for older Canadians and seniors a poor rating.
Add Your Voice!
Make your voice heard by joining CDHA’s digital advocacy campaign to support oral health care for seniors. It’s easy to do and takes less than 5 minutes, thanks to our digital tool, which includes a prepared email message that you just have to personalize with your name, postal code, and email address. Simply click send to deliver your message to federal and provincial politicians. United voices are always stronger and can make a real difference. Share this invitation and link with your colleagues, family, and friends today!
National Standards for Long-Term Care: Addressing Oral Health for Overall Health
Recommendations at a Glance
CARE TEAMS WITH DENTAL HYGIENISTS
Professional staffing and interprofessional
collaboration in long-term care homes should
incorporate dental hygienists to ensure a
comprehensive program of oral health
services to meet the assessed oral health
needs of residents.
ORAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS
Oral health care services for long-term care
home residents must include oral health
assessments, the development of personalized
oral health care plans, and the provision of daily
mouth care by dental hygienists.
ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOR STAFF
All direct-care workers in long-term care homes
should receive education on oral health. This
education should be developed and delivered
by dental hygienists.
ORAL HEALTH IN LEGISLATION PERTAINING
TO LONG-TERM CARE HOMES
Legislation pertaining to long-term care
homes across the country must reflect
minimum standards for oral health care
and related aspects.
ORAL HEALTH IN ACCREDITATION
STANDARDS FOR LONG-TERM CARE HOMES
Accreditation standards specific to oral health
services in long-term care settings should be
developed and enforced.
Social Media Shareables
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Testimonial
"Hello, my name is Anne Clarke. I have 2 family members living in long term care. My brother has many challenges. One being his oral health. Allowing dental hygienist Carolyn Weiss in to do regular scaling and assisted brushing has improved both his general health and oral health. Carolyn coming to him in his resident allows for more consistent regular treatment. He is relaxed and comfortable. His oral health has improved 100% since she has been treating him. Staff at the home are not as attentive or experienced enough to get done what he needs. She can regularly assess changes and adjust treatment to maximize his oral health. If he had to go to her, it would be very difficult to organize and very expensive. Escorts, wheelchair taxi service. This is an awesome service." ~Anne Clarke