The tool has not been designed to establish a definitive diagnosis of the anomalies detected in the mouths of seniors. It makes it easier and quicker to detect issues, so that they can be managed quickly, and treatment reduced and simplified. “Non-dental professionals need to be trained to use the tool to detect and report this anomaly, so that we can take charge of treatment more quickly,” says Dr. Caron. Once detected, the condition is reported to the dentist if treatment is required. “Although some anomalies can be dealt with by nurses or care assistants, they will not be reported directly to the dentist,” he says. “However, identifying them will help a dentist know the state of a patient’s oral health, if they can’t see a dentist on a regular basis. It also helps a dentist follow up and intervene more quickly if more treatment is required.” The screening tool, developed in conjunction with the Public Health Agency of Canada and endorsed by the Canadian Geriatrics Society, the Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association, and the Canadian Dental Public Health Association, is freely available and is now moving into its second phase of development. Dr. Caron and his team are looking to set up a virtual teledentistry protocol using intra-oral cameras available in LTC facilities. Remote detection of lesions or other issues by LTC staff would enable better prioritization of patient management. “We have to work as a care team and integrate into medical groups, with nursing staff or other caregivers on site,” says Dr. Caron. “We can’t tackle the problem of deteriorating oral health in seniors on our own. It will take a coordinated effort to make a difference.” Dr. Caron acknowledges the contributions from Dr. James Taylor, Chief Dental Officer of Canada, Lisette Dufour, Senior Oral Health Advisor at Public Health Agency of Canada, and Katherine Carbajal-Rosa, Research Assistant at Laval University. References: 1. Statistics Canada. A portrait of Canada’s growing population aged 85 and older from the 2021 Census. 2022 April 27. Available: https://www12. statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021004/98200-x2021004-eng.cfm 2. Laval University. Centre d’excellence pour la santé buccodentaire et le vieillissement. Available: https://cesbv.ulaval.ca/cesbv.html The Screening Tool is freely available for download at: fmd.ulaval.ca/recherche/the-canadianoral-health-screening-tool-for-seniors 27 Issue 4 | 2023 | Issues and People
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