AC 2 Support individuals to maintain oral health and mouth care

1. Understand the importance of oral health and hygiene for adults

• 1.1 Describe the structure and functions of the mouth
• 1.2 Explain the importance of oral hygiene
• 1.3 Give examples of how different factors can impact oral health
• 1.4 Explain how poor oral health can affect an individual’s: • holistic health • wellbeing • dignity
• 1.5 Describe types of oral disease and their causes
• 1.6 Describe other conditions that may cause pain and/or discomfort in the mouth

2. Understand the principles of oral health and mouth care for adults

• 2.1 Summarise current national guidance and organisational policy relating to oral health relevant to adult care
• 2.2 Describe what should be included in an oral health assessment and mouth care plan
• 2.3 Describe signs and behaviour that may indicate an individual who is unable to express their needs verbally is experiencing dental pain, discomfort or infection in the mouth
• 2.4 Explain the actions to be taken when an individual does not agree to mouth care as recommended
• 2.5 Describe how to support individuals to access dental care and treatment
• 2.6 Describe how and when to report concerns about an individual’s oral health
• 2.7 Explain how to maintain oral hygiene and comfort for an individual who is unable to self-care

3. Be able to assess and review oral health and mouth care needs

• 3.1 Communicate with the individual and others to collate information about: • daily mouth care and the support required • dental aids and equipment used • dentures, implants or orthodontic appliances • details of last visit to dentist
• 3.2 Use an approved assessment tool to assess oral health within organisational policy
• 3.3 Collaborate with the individual and others to agree details of daily mouth care and level of support
• 3.4 Record the results of the assessment and mouth care need
• 3.5 Refer the individual to ensure they have access to dental services in line with their needs, preferences and national guidance

4. Be able to support individuals and others to carry out oral hygiene and maintain or improve oral health

• 4.1 Support individuals to use recommended techniques and products for cleaning teeth, aids and mouth care
• 4.2 Apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control during mouth care
• 4.3 Ensure dentures, implants and orthodontic appliances are cleaned and maintained as required
• 4.4 Ensure individual access to consistent supplies of mouth care equipment in sufficient quantity and quality
• 4.5 Monitor oral hygiene and health, and level of support required
• 4.6 Provide information to the individual and others about aspects of health that could be changed to maintain or improve oral health
• 4.7 Support the individual to access dental care and treatment in line with national guidance
• 4.8 Review and adapt support to meet an individual’s changing needs and circumstances