The January edition of Provider Magazine carries a piece by Michèle Saunders, who argues “it is necessary that all long term care residents, especially those with dementia, have a daily oral hygiene care plan.” Saunders argues preventive oral care can save costs by avoiding oral disease and emergency dental care and is especially important in preventing pain that dementia patients may not be able to communicate.

Saunders urges readers to view “Oral Health Care – A Guide for Nurse Aides and Other Caregivers,” a video that “portrays CNAs on their rounds as they execute proper dental care, including brushing and denture maintenance, for residents who are aging, immobile, or bedbound.”