• Anna Tynan, Lisa Deeth, Debra McKenzie, Carolyn Bourke, Shayne Stenhouse, Jacinta Pitt, and Helen Linneman.
• Research Support Team, Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
• Aust J Rural Health. 2018 Apr 16.

ProblemResidents of residential aged care facilities are at very high risk of developing complex oral diseases and dental problems. Key barriers exist in delivering oral health services to residential aged care facilities, particularly in regional and rural areas.DesignA quality improvement study incorporating pre- and post chart audits and pre- and post consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and residents, expert opinion on cost estimates and field notes were used.SettingOne regional and three rural residential aged care facilities situated in a non-metropolitan hospital and health service in Queensland.Key Measures For ImprovementNumber of appointments avoided at an oral health facility Feedback on program experience by staff and residents Compliance with oral health care plan implementation Observations of costs involved to deliver new service.Strategies For ChangeThe model developed incorporated a visit by an oral health therapist for screening, education, simple intervention and referral for a teledentistry session if required.Effects Of ChangeResults showed an improvement in implementation of oral health care plans and a minimisation of need for residents to attend an oral health care facility. Potential financial and social cost savings for residents and the facilities were also noted.Lessons LearntScreening via the oral health therapist and teledentistry appointment minimises the need for a visit to an oral health facility and subsequent disruption to residents in residential aged care facilities.© 2018 National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.

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