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PeriodontitisDental and oral healthProcedure

What this study is

The goal of this study is to learn if dental infection control treatment delivered to older adult nursing home residents at their place of residence will result in :

  • improved dental health
  • reduced risk of pneumonia
  • better glucose control for diabetic patients compared to the pre-project dental and general health evaluations of residents and the pre-project facility incidence of pneumonia. Dental infection control treatment includes treating gum infections, stopping or slowing decay with fluoride, and assisting residents with effective tooth brushing and denture cleaning daily. Previous studies indicate dental infections can be inhaled and cause pneumonia or make diabetes worse. A shortage of dentists has limited care for nursing home residents. This project will allow dental hygienists and specially trained dental assistants to treat nursing home residents using telehealth methods (computers, cameras, internet, and telephone) to talk and work with dentists in different locations.

What's being tested

  • Comprehensive Oral Evaluation

    Intervention · OTHER

    A thorough check-up of teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues, including medical and dental history, to assess overall oral health and identify any infections.

  • Intraoral Complete Radiographic Series

    Intervention · OTHER

    A series of x-rays of the whole mouth intended to display the, teeth, roots, periapical areas, bone, and areas without teeth.

  • • Teledentistry-synchronous and asynchronous

    Intervention · OTHER

    The delivery or coordination of care for a patient using synchronous; real-time or aysnchronous communication between care providers or between care providers and a patient.

  • Periodontal Therapy

    Intervention · PROCEDURE

    A therapeutic procedure designed to remove plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) causing gum infections that can lead to tooth loss and other medical complications.

  • Periodontal Maintenance Procedure

    Intervention · PROCEDURE

    A periodic evaluation and therapeutic support procedure for patients with a history of gum infections.

  • Application of Caries Arresting Medicament

    Intervention · PROCEDURE

    Topical application of decay arresting or inhibiting medicament.

  • Oral Hygiene Assistance

    Intervention · OTHER

    Dental procedures aimed at educating patients on, and assisting patients with ,proper oral hygiene practices removing food debris, germ-laden plaque, and soft tartar using cloth wipes, toothbrush, floss, and using oral hygiene aids.

  • Referral for Treatment of Acute Oral Infection

    Intervention · PROCEDURE

    Diagnosis and treatment of oral infection outside the scope of a dental hygienist or Expanded Function Dental Assistant.

Study details

Official title
Extending Infection Control Dental Care to Nursing Home Residents Using Telehealth-Mediated Supervision: a Novel Solution to Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia Morbidity and Mortality.
Sponsor
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Conditions
Periodontitis · Gingivitis · Periodontal Disease · Periodontal Infections · Oral Infections · Periapical Infections · Pneumonia · Diabetes
Enrolling
150 people
Starts
2024-03-01
Est. completion
2026-08-28
Design
Open-label, single group
Record
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗