Educating long-term care staff on older adult oral health: Maine's oral team-based initiative vital access to education (MOTIVATE) program

Introduction

The oral health status of older adults in the United States is a public health crisis and a silent epidemic. Maine's Oral Team-Based Initiative Vital Access to Education (MOTIVATE) Program is an innovative interprofessional oral health program aimed at enhancing oral health education and practice of interprofessional health care teams in nursing homes. Using a blended learning model, a combination of in-person and online learning, this program provides a foundation from which to implement evidenced based oral care in nursing homes.

Methods

Learning outcomes were assessed via a three-part timed series survey. A set of self-report assessment items measured skills implemented at baseline and post-training.

Results

Learning domain scores increased over time from baseline to post-training. Confidence in providing oral healthcare and role clarity in providing oral health care improved over time. Staff identified using new skills in daily oral care and communication across the interprofessional team.

Discussion

The MOTIVATE program is an effective collaborative-based model for developing oral health competencies and promoting evidence-based oral health care in nursing homes.