Dental Care for Pneumonia Prevention
(NHOralHealth Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?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.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adult nursing home residents who may have dental health issues like gum disease or tooth abscesses. It aims to help those at risk of pneumonia or with diabetes needing better glucose control. Residents must not be currently receiving similar dental care.

Inclusion Criteria

Frailty Assessment of Low or Moderate using the Modified FRAIL Questionnaire

I agree to participate in the study and allow access to my medical records.

I am over 60 and live in a nursing home or similar place.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Resident deemed behaviorally or physically difficult to treat by initial clinical assessment

High frailty evaluation using the Modified FRAIL Questionnaire

I am under 60 years old.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if on-site dental treatments, including infection control, fluoride application, and daily oral hygiene assistance, can improve dental health and reduce pneumonia risks. It also uses telehealth for dentist consultations.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Infection Control ArmExperimental Treatment8 Interventions

* Dental Hygienists and EFDA Teams travel to nursing homes and gather medical and dental data for residents participating in the study while collaborating with distant dentists using telehealth. * Clinical data is sent to the supervising dentist, who reviews medical history, assigns an ASA class and Frailty class, and prescribes an infection control treatment plan. * Emergent infections outside the scope of hygienists / EFDAs result in a transport order for care to an outside facility. * Hygienist/EFDA teams treat residents in their facility for gum infections, stabilize decay with fluoride and temporary fillings, and clean dentures. * The hygienist/EFDA team teaches LTCF staff oral hygiene assistance techniques to help residents with daily care and minimize reinfection. * The hygienist and EFDA team will continue to see LTCF residents at regular intervals to provide maintenance care, collect data, and monitor progress. * Treatment Outcome Data collected.