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Common misconceptions about oral health in the older adult: nursing practices
Author(s) -
Logan Henrietta L.,
Ettinger Ronald,
McLeran Hermine,
Casko Roberta
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/j.1754-4505.1991.tb01488.x
Subject(s) - medicine , misinformation , curriculum , nursing , service (business) , aged care , continuing education , oral health , nurse education , medical education , family medicine , psychology , pedagogy , economy , political science , law , economics
A survey of nurses, director‐supervisors, and nursing home health aides who provide home care in Iowa showed that many misconceptions exist about what constitutes appropriate oral and dental care practices for the older adult. Despite differences in formal education among these nursing personnel, several misunderstandings about dental problems among older adults were common to all three employment groups. These misconceptions represented a broad range of topics from the characteristics of orai cancer lesions to the appropriate use of denture adhesives; two dealt specifically with the recognition of potential oral cancer lesions. This paper describes attitudes and misinformation held by the respondents, and suggests ways to correct these fallacies through in‐service training programs. As a part of this funded project, a complete package for presenting a 3 1/2 hour continuing education program about oral health in the elderly was produced. This set entitled “Oral Health in the Elderly: A Workshop Curriculum and Teacher's Guide” includes color slides, 2 video tapes, teaching instructions, and a script and is available at cost. Other materials specifically designed for in‐service training of nursing home personnel are also available. For more information, please write the senior author.