The fourth process in helping to improve an older person's oral health is a dental referral.

Based on the findings of the oral health assessment, discharge planning advice to the General Practitioner should acknowledge the patient’s need for a dental examination.

Discharge planning should include:

• Any problems identified with the patient’s oral health
• What oral care has been implemented while in hospital
• If a follow-up dental examination is required
• If an allied health referral is also required for oral heath needs e.g. Occupational therapist, Dietician or Speech Pathologist.

Options for dental treatment include both private and public pathways.

When a patient is advised to see a dental professional, ensure they and/or their substitute decision-maker understand the reason for the dental referral and how to access a dental service appropriate for their needs.

They should also know that they should provide the dental professional with the following information:

• patient consent - self or substitute decision-maker
• medical summary
• medication list.

Provide patients with a copy of medical summary information suitable for this purpose.

Seeing a dental professional (180KB PDF) provides an overview of recommended oral health assessment tools, explains dental referral pathway processes and provides a dental visit checklist to help with planning for the level of assistance required for the dental visit.

For healthy teeth and gums follow these simple steps:

• use a soft toothbrush
• clean your teeth or dentures twice a day
• use a fluoride toothpaste
• drink water when you are thirsty
• sip water if your mouth is dry
• eat a healthy diet
• avoid sweets and sugary drinks between meals
• visit your dentist for a regular check-up.