SMC Oral Health Dialogue

A.  Please read the dialogue, thoroughly, and then create a post, answering the following questions:

What do you like about this dialogue?

What would you change about this dialogue?

Can you visualize yourself speaking a similar dialogue? Why? or Why not?

What do you think are some good ways to address patient questions or concerns?

B.  Then, please respond to at least 1 classmate, offering some helpful critique to their responses (when responding, please respond to a post without a response, first, then you may respond to others)

1. Define Geriatrics
Geriatrics is a medical specialist focusing on providing unique health care to older adults. They
are trained to treat conditions that are unique in older adults.
2. Why is it important to promote oral health for the aging client?
Promoting oral health for the aging client is important to prevent common problems such as
toothache, tooth loss, and gum diseases. Similarly, oral health contributes to the general well-being
and quality of life; this promotes positive aging.
3. Summarize the tips for taking care the older adults in Box 47.2
The tips for caring for older adults include enabling social inclusion, coordinating care, making
the care regime personally centered, and practicing mindful communication.
Define the following terms: maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and P.A.N.D.A.
Maltreatment is the abuse and neglect that occurs in children under eighteen. It is the life a child
receives from those responsible; it could also include abandonment, physical, sexual, and
emotional abuse, and neglect (Vitte et al., 2022).
Abuse refers to treating another person with violence, harm, cruelty, or force. Abuse could include
physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Neglect is the inability to meet a child’s basic needs. It could be a situation in which you do not
give enough care or attention to someone. The perpetrator responsible for caring for someone fails
to take that responsibility.
Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness (PA.N.D. A) addresses and prevents child
abuse through education of the dental community. Dentists work with other professionals to
identify signs of child abuse.
Define the following types of abuse: Physical abuse, Neglect, Sexual Abuse, and Emotional
Treatment.
Physical abuse is the physical injury inflicted on a child or someone by another person
deliberately. It could also be an intentional trauma to a person or animal through body contact.
Neglect is when you do not give enough care or attention to a child or someone you are responsible
for at that moment.
Sexual abuse occurs when a person performs any sexual act against a child or another without the
person’s approval or consent. It could also mean making someone participate in sexual activity
without their consent.
Emotional treatment is a therapeutic approach based on the premise that emotions are linked to
identity. They are aimed at resolving emotional or mental issues.
Explain the abuse and neglect of the elderly and other vulnerable adults.
Elderly and vulnerable adults experience neglect and abuse; they are not taken care of as they
should (Hakeem et al., 2021). Apart from that, they experience humiliation, disrespect, and
harassment. Also, those taking care of them fail to meet their basic needs, such as food, essential
medical care, clothing, hygiene, and shelter.
What is the duty of oral health care professionals when they suspect abuse?
The dental team is responsible for identifying the signs of elder abuse and reporting them as
required. Oral healthcare professionals should always be alert to protect those under their care
from neglect and abuse.
5. What is the result of not reporting abuse?
The results of not reporting abuse could result in imprisonment; one could be charged with a crime.
If one fails to report abuse, civil action could be brought against the person: the subjection of
criminal prosecution for failure.
Define palliative care?
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach to optimizing the quality of life and relieving pain,
symptoms, and stress caused by serious illnesses.
Explain the importance of palliative oral care at end of life.
Oral care can help prevent unnecessary discomfort affecting the patient’s quality of life. Providing
oral care could help minimize complications associated with treatment.
Explain standard oral hygiene care
Standard oral care refers to brushing teeth thoroughly twice daily and flossing daily between the
teeth to remove plaque. It helps to keep one’s mouth clean and free from diseases.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral complications commonly found among palliative care
patients?
Symptoms of oral complications common in palliative care include dry mouth, bad breath, oral
candidiasis, and dysphagia.
References
Hakeem, F. F., Bernabé, E., & Sabbah, W. (2021). Association between oral health and frailty
among
American
older
adults. Journal
of
the
American
Medical
Directors
Association, 22(3), 559-563.
Vitte, L., Hauguel, C., Benoit, V., Genet, M. C., Letot, J., Bruel, H., … & Apter, G. (2022). Panda
Unit, a Mother-Baby Unit Nested in a Neonatal Care Service. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13.