The second step to help maintain a resident's oral health is Oral Health Care Planning.

The outcome of the oral health assessment will help inform the care planning process.

A healthy or changes assessment can be managed by using the Oral Health Care Planning Guidelines (900KB PDF) which provides a concise description of the rationale and oral care recommendations for the standard protective oral care regimen. An unhealthy assessment indicates the need for a dental referral.

Residents, particularly those with dementia, are at high risk of poor oral health. The provision of oral health care in the residential aged care setting has a strong focus on quality of life and treatment to relieve symptoms rather than curing oral disease.

A targeted approach to oral health care is taken to protect residents against further deterioration of their oral health status. This includes the use of dental products such as high fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial products.

Six of the best ways to maintain a healthy mouth (90KB PDF) outlines key oral health planning strategies to maintain a healthy mouth for frail older people with complex oral health needs.