Oral health training for caregivers – a program developed in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health, Hospital & Community Dental Services Branch to address the oral health needs of Kupuna in long-term care facilities.

What does the training consist of?
This two-part training includes an educational video and in-person coaching by dental hygienists who share tips, techniques and tools to provide daily oral care for their residents.

What facilities qualify for the training?
The training is designed for staff at long-term care facilities.

Is there a cost to train our staff?
There is no cost, and it also fulfills the annual oral hygiene training requirement for long-term facilities. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for attending the 45-minute training.

Caregivers will Learn

How to brush their residents' teeth and clean between teeth using various flossing tools
How to open or keep their residents' mouth open when brushing
How to care for sores
on their gums
How to care for
dentures

Survey Results from Nurse Participants:

99% agree the course will help them apply brushing techniques with their patients.

95% agree that the hands-on portion with the dental hygienist met their expectations.

Quotes from Nurse Participants:

"The on-site training with a dental hygienist is the best!"

"Having a licensed dental hygienist to show and guide us on various brushing techniques and introducing them to dental care tools such as dental picks and bite sticks will help us to properly care for our residents' teeth and gums."

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