Enduring Smiles

Enduring Smiles: Improving the Oral Health of Long-Term Care Residents in Nebraska

The Enduring Smiles program is a partnership between the UNMC College of Dentistry, Nebraska Community Foundation and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The goals of the program are to: 1.) inform independent older adults about the oral health issues and changes they may experience in the future; 2.) train public health dental hygienists to teach oral health to elder facility staff; and 3.) educate direct care staff and caregivers to improve elder oral health.

Modules for Older Adults

Module 1: Oral Health Issues for the Aged Adult in the 21st Century

Learning Objectives: 1.) identify compromising conditions affecting this age group that increase oral health needs; 2.) discuss the oral and systemic health interconnection and emphasize why oral health matters in the geriatric population; 3.) understand teledentistry as a viable option to address access to dental care for this age group; and 4.) discuss post-COVID 19 pandemic considerations in the dental office setting, and using new technology. 

Module 2: Why is My Mouth So Dry? How to Live with Xerostomia

Learning Objectives: 1.) discuss the symptoms of dry mouth and identify the common causes; 2.) identify most prescribed/common medications used by aged adults; 3.) understand why medication side-effects are more significant in the elderly; and 4.) understand compromised saliva and the role it plays in increased dental disease; and 5.) manage oral side-effects and/or alleviate symptoms with special oral care products. Download product resources sheet. 

Module 3: Nutrition and Oral Health Implications for Older Adults

Learning Objectives: 1.) identify oral health/dental diseases in older adults; 2.) discuss the mouth-body connection and how dental disease may increase the risk of systemic diseases; 3.) understand how dental disease/conditions can lead to nutrition deficiencies; 4.) discuss how nutritional deficiencies may lead to medical conditions that lead to alterations in the diet; 5.) understand how oral health and nutrition risk factors can lead to the inability to heal properly; 6.) recognize the importance of healthy eating guidelines; and 7.) perform a comprehensive diet analysis with recommendations for improvements.