Practice Recommendations

Practice Recommendations

Recommendations

Strength of the Recommendation

Recommendation 1.0: The expert panel suggests that health providers follow a multi-component oral care protocol that includes:

• an oral health assessment using a standardized approach and/or validated tool appropriate to the person and health setting;
• an individualized oral care plan;
• step-by-step instructions for oral care, including tooth and denture brushing; and
• identification of required oral care tools and supplies.

Conditional

Recommendation 2.0: The expert panel suggests that health providers educate persons and caregivers on the following topics:

• oral health and the benefits of oral care;
• oral care techniques and procedures using return demonstration;
• establishing oral care practices; and
• how to use oral care tools and/or supplies.

Conditional

Recommendation 3.0: The expert panel suggests that health providers use person-centred approaches to provide oral care to persons who are behaviourally complex, including:

• environmental adaptations;
• verbal and/or non-verbal communication strategies; and
• selection and modification of oral care tools and supplies.

Conditional

Recommendation 4.0: The expert panel suggests that health providers document specific successful strategies and techniques in an individualized oral care plan that can be used when providing oral care to persons who are behaviourally complex.

Conditional