Oral hygiene care for the disabled adult

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Authors
Orchard, Jessica
Martinez, Nancy
Mendoza, Yareli
Advisors
Martin, Julie L.
Issue Date
2023-04-07
Type
Abstract
Keywords
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Citation
Orchard, Jessica; Martinez, Nancy; Mendoza, Yareli. 2023. Oral hygiene care for the disabled adult. -- In Proceedings: 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University, p. 8
Abstract

Purpose: Oral Hygiene Care for Adults with Disabilities is a dental hygiene program created to provide education for the disabled adult population. This program aims to give caregivers and adults efficient oral health instructions and modifications to maintain a stable quality of life. Methods: Scholarly articles from National Library of Medicine, PubMed, The Journal of the American Dental, and the National Council on Disability were the main resources to find information about the oral health of adults with physical disabilities. The delivery was through a PowerPoint with a demonstration to measure the audience's comprehension. Results: The residents at The Timbers had an increased understanding of why oral hygiene is important for overall health. These adults with disabilities received instruction on how to modify their oral health aids according to their individual needs. Implications: The presentation of this research would decrease the amount of caries and tooth loss for disabled patients. This would improve the oral health of the disabled population in the community. The significant association between oral health and systemic conditions was also discussed with the residents so that they would have the necessary education to take care of their oral hygiene. This contributes toward the Healthy People 2030 oral condition objectives by promoting oral care, which can potentially reduce cavities, gum disease, and encourage oral health. Recommendations/Conclusion: In the future, it would be beneficial to revisit the residents of The Timbers to obtain information about what oral hygiene aid modifications they implemented into their oral hygiene routine and how successful those modifications were. This information would help other dental hygienists know what modifications to suggest to adults with disabilities. With a better understanding of what teaching methods are most helpful and what oral hygiene modifications are most beneficial, the team could improve on their oral hygiene presentations to this demographic in the future.

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Description
Presented to the 22nd Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 7, 2023.
Publisher
Wichita State University
Journal
Book Title
Series
URCAF
v.22
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