Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being. Oral health affects not only a person’s ability to eat, speak, and socialise comfortably but also their physical and emotional health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infection, and serious health complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
This Oral Health Awareness online course has been designed to help health and social care professionals understand the importance of oral hygiene, recognise common oral health problems, and apply effective preventive and care strategies in daily practice.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
People receiving care are often at higher risk of oral health problems due to age, disability, or medical conditions. This course provides the essential knowledge and confidence needed to support good oral health in care settings and promote overall well-being.
You’ll learn how to assess oral health, identify signs of disease, apply preventive care, and support individuals to maintain healthy mouths and teeth.
This course helps you to:
- Understand the link between oral and general health.
- Recognise common oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
- Apply effective daily oral hygiene practices in line with national guidance.
- Follow infection control and safety procedures to maintain a clean care environment.
- Communicate confidently with individuals and families about oral health.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define oral health and explain its relationship with overall well-being.
- Identify how oral health impacts general health, including its links to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
- Describe how dental plaque forms and its role in oral disease.
- Conduct oral health assessments and record observations accurately.
- Recognise common oral conditions, including dental caries, gum disease, and oral infections.
- Understand risk factors such as smoking, diet, medication, and poor hygiene.
- Apply preventive care strategies such as effective brushing, flossing, and denture care.
- Educate individuals on the importance of regular dental check-ups and lifestyle choices.
- Follow infection prevention and control protocols to protect patients and staff.
- Support inclusive oral care for children, older adults, and people with complex needs.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care professionals supporting individuals in community or residential care
- Support workers and care assistants providing personal care
- Nurses, dental care workers, and allied health professionals
- Anyone involved in promoting health and well-being within care environments
No prior dental experience is required — the course is designed for all staff who deliver or support personal care.
FAQ
How long does the course take?
Most learners complete the course in around 1–1.5 hours, depending on their pace.
Is the course accredited?
It aligns with CQC and Skills for Care standards and can count towards your CPD portfolio.
Do I need dental training to take part?
No — this course is suitable for anyone in health or social care, regardless of experience.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon completion, you’ll receive an Oral Health Awareness Training Course certificate.
Is the course relevant to UK legislation?
Yes. It aligns with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) and CQC requirements for safe and effective care.
Oral health is a key part of dignity and quality of life. Pain, infection, or embarrassment caused by poor mouth care can significantly affect confidence, nutrition, and communication.
By understanding how to assess, prevent, and respond to oral health issues, care workers can help individuals live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Enrol on the Oral Health Awareness Training Course today
Gain the knowledge and confidence to support better oral health and improve the well-being of those you care for.
You must log in and have started this course to submit a review.
