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With decades of experience in dental therapy, Ms Short is committed to ensuring every aged care worker is trained in oral health.

“Aged care workers often lack essential training in oral health care, yet it’s about far more than clean teeth,” says Leonie, founder of Seniors Dental Care Australia.

“Good oral hygiene enhances self-esteem, supports speech, enables comfortable chewing and swallowing, and improves general health and wellbeing.”

Leonie emphasises the importance of a trauma-informed approach, given that many aged care residents may have had negative experiences with dentistry.

 “Past dental experiences, or even a lack of access to dental care, can cause apprehension or anxiety. Proper oral care requires sensitivity and understanding,” she adds.

With the revised Aged Care Quality Standards emphasising oral health and mandating support for individuals with cognitive decline, this training is especially timely.

 Aged care workers will gain expertise in handling various dental care needs, including those of residents with partial dentures or complex dental work, where a standard approach is inadequate.

Ms Short says about 60 percent of aged care residents retain some or all of their natural teeth, underscoring the need for personalised oral health care plans.

“We talk about person-cantered care, but the current approach is often standardized, with the same toothbrushes and toothpaste supplied to all residents. We need to consider individuals’ previous dental work, preferences, mobility, and cognitive abilities. For instance, a toothbrush with a modified handle can be transformative for someone with arthritis.”

ACCPA’s masterclass aims to bridge this gap by educating aged care staff on best practices for oral health, emphasising the need for skilled, tailored care. This training is invaluable not only for personal care workers but also for nurses, allied health staff, and managers responsible for policy and procurement decisions in aged care settings.

Feedback from prior training sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting improved confidence in managing both residents’ and their own oral health needs.

“Ultimately, it’s about giving aged care workers the knowledge and tools to provide the best possible care,” says Leonie. ACCPA is also exploring a train-the-trainer model to create ‘oral health champions’ across the sector.