Elder Smiles

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Elder Smiles, a program of the Adult/Child Care Facilities Division of the Johnson County Health Department (JCHD), offers on-site, preventative, routine dental care by Registered Dental Hygienists with an Extended Care Permit II 9eCP), under the supervision of a sponsoring dentist. Elder Smiles provides teeth cleanings, oral assessments, denture cleaning, and alignment checks to elderly residents who live in long-term care facilities including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, home plus facilities, and adult daycares in Johnson County, Kansas. This program provides access to dental care for those without the physical and/or financial means to visit a regular dentist office. Elder Smiles also identifies oral health problems beyond the hygienist’s scope of practice, makes appropriate referrals, and provides oral hygiene education to residents, families, and staff.