Putting the Mouth Into the Head-to-Toe Assessment: Nursing Oral Health Assessment Training With an Oral Health Therapist

Abstract

Background: Oral care is one of the most neglected nursing practices, lacking oral care protocols, efficient training, and awareness of the benefits for clients. In particular, there is a gap in research for nursing oral health assessment training for nursing curricula. Method: This study explored the effects of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) training between nurses and oral health therapists (OHT) using newly developed oral health assessment tools with an aim of reducing barriers for nursing oral health assessment. The self-efficacy and confidence of nursing students in oral health assessment were evaluated using pre- and posttraining surveys, and a focus group. Results: Nursing students' confidence in incorporating oral health assessment into head-to-toe assessment improved after training. Conclusion: Nursing oral health assessment training with IPC, onsite OHT support, and oral health assessment tools improved the confidence and attitudes of nursing students in oral health assessment and care provision. [ J Nurs Educ . 2023;62(7):399–402.]