Oral Health Care Training Module for Aged Care Workers
Oral health is a key indicator of general health and wellbeing in older people, yet it remains one of the most commonly under-resourced areas of care in Australian aged care. Poor oral hygiene is linked to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, pain and social withdrawal. Under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, providers are obligated to deliver routine oral health care and facilitate access to dental services. This module builds the essential skills your team needs.
What This Training Covers
- The link between oral health and systemic health in older people
- Routine oral hygiene — technique, frequency and products
- Denture care — cleaning, storage and fit assessment
- Oral health assessment — what to look for and how to document it
- Assisting consumers who resist oral care — approaches and strategies
- Recognising signs of oral pain, infection, dry mouth and oral cancer
- Referral pathways to dental services — accessing the Medicare CDBS
- Nutrition and hydration implications of poor oral health
Key Learning Outcomes
- Perform safe, effective daily oral hygiene for consumers with and without natural teeth
- Clean and store dentures correctly and identify poor fit or damage
- Complete a basic oral health assessment and document findings
- Recognise signs that warrant escalation to a dental or medical professional
- Apply person-centred strategies when a consumer declines oral care
Who Should Complete This Training
All PCAs and support staff involved in personal care. RNs and care managers should be familiar with oral health assessment and the referral pathway to dental services. This is a mandatory training area under Standard 5 and an area of known audit risk.
Alignment to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
Aligned to Standard 5 (Clinical Care) — oral health is explicitly identified as a required clinical care area — and Standard 1 (The Person), which upholds dignity and comfort including freedom from preventable pain and discomfort.
Oral Health Compliance On Your Radar with Governa
Governa helps aged care providers track oral health assessment completion and link findings to care plans — reducing the risk of audit findings in this high-scrutiny area. Ask Norma to locate your oral health policy instantly.
