Oral health is important to the quality of life of all people, regardless of age and cognitive status. The best-practice geriatric oral health model presented in this program focuses on preventative oral health care, and consists of the following components.

1. Identification of an "oral health champion" in the organization to liaise with dental professionals and be a leader on oral health issues.
2. Development of dental policies and procedures in accordance with any governmental or organizational regulations.
3. Ongoing use at regular intervals of a dental screening such as the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT).
4. Referral of people to affiliated dental professionals for a regular dental examination and dental treatment.
5. Ongoing use and review of an individualized oral health care plan such as the Oral Health Care Plan (OHCP).
6. Ongoing practical caregiver training in oral health care strategies.

This best-practice oral health model is useful to a variety of geriatric health practitioners and in many care venues.

• Nursing facilities
  • Medical directors
  • Registered nurses in collaboration with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Home health care nurses and their staff
• Family physicians