Welsh Government
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Investing in improved access to dental health for older people

New funding to improve the oral health of older people living in care homes has been announced yesterday by Deputy Minister for Health Vaughan Gething.

The £700,000 investment over the next two years will also increase access to special dental care for people with disabilities and special needs across Wales.

The Deputy Minister will make the announcement when he meets staff and residents at Willowbrook House Nursing Home in Cardiff.

Almost £320,000 will be targeted at improving oral health care for people in care homes.  In addition, health boards will receive £370,000 to improve access to dental services for people with disabilities and complex medical conditions.  

Vaughan Gething said:

“We have been clear about the need to improve oral health across Wales.  This investment is targeted at vulnerable people who are not able to access conventional community dental care services.

“People who have disabilities or complex medical conditions need dental services, which are suitable for their needs, including appropriately trained and equipped dental teams.  

“With this funding, we will improve access to special care dentistry services across Wales and ensure there is a consistent approach to dental healthcare for people in care homes.”

The investment in special dental care for people with disabilities and special needs includes £70,000 to fund a trainee in Special Care Dentistry.  

As part of the funding to improve oral health for older people in care homes, care homes will be required to have a mouth care policy and at least one named oral care champion, responsible for promoting best practice.  

All residents will have an oral risk assessment carried out by qualified care home staff within the first seven days of moving to the home and at appropriate agreed intervals afterwards.

 

Channel website: http://gov.wales

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