Assessing oral conditions by examining newly admitted persons at St. Vincent de Paule residence, identifying their needs using O.S.C.A.R. (Oral, systemic, capability, autonomy, reality), a five point geriatric dental plan : evaluation and proposed treatment plan

Abstract

Older persons in a residence home present with complex dental needs. The provision of dental care has to be prescribed following a comprehensive assessment of the older person's general state of health. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of a multidimensional guide in assessing patients in residential care with dental problems and formulating a treatment programme. Fifty newly admitted patients for residential care in St. Vincent de Paule Residence were assessed using O.S.C.A.R, a five point evaluation plan. • Oral aspects dealt with teeth, restorations, prosthesis, periodontium, oral mucosa, occlusion. • Systemic aspects referred to normative age changes, medical diagnosis, pharmacological agents. • Capability referred to the functional ability, selfcare, care givers and oral hygiene. •Autonomy dealt with decision-making ability, dependence on alternative or supplemental decision makers. • Reality referred to the prioritisation of oral health, limitations. Out of the fifty patients six randomly selected individuals were chosen to demonstrate in detail the application of O.S.C.A.R. In these examples the holistic value of such an approach in ultimately providing an individual dental plan was explained. O.S.C.A.R. can act as a guideline for the dentist to gain insight into potential treatment pitfalls considering the patient's ability to contribute to different facets of care.