Oral health care intervention protocol for older adults at home in dental hygienists: a narrative literature review

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to propose a standard protocol for oral health care intervention activities by dental hygienists. Methods: A narrative literature review of home visit oral health care intervention activities reported in Cheonan, South Korea was conducted to enable the proposal of a standard home visit protocol for dental hygienists in the context of community care. Results: Oral health management intervention activities contributed to improving the quality of life, as well as the oral health, of older adults living at home. This was a result of applying a protocol consisting of oral observation, oral massage, expert oral hygiene management, oral muscle function training, and final stages. Conclusions: The visiting oral health intervention protocol was effective in resolving oral health problems of older adults. In the future, customized programs and reimbursement systems should be developed to promote oral health care for older adults that can be provided at home.