Improving the oral health of mental health service users
To increase your awareness of the importance of optimal oral healthcare for mental health service users
To reflect on different ways in which you can contribute to improving the oral health of service users
To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)
To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
Oral health is often neglected in mental healthcare, which puts service users at risk of developing oral health conditions that can reduce their quality of life and negatively affect their general health outcomes. Many oral conditions – for example, tooth decay and periodontitis – are preventable with regular oral hygiene and lifestyle modifications. By increasing their knowledge and skills in oral healthcare, mental health nurses can improve service users’ oral health and quality of life. Vital aspects of the role for mental health nurses include encouraging service users to adopt simple daily oral hygiene routines, liaising with dental professionals such as dentists and hygienists, conducting regular oral health assessments, monitoring the side effects of psychotropics, and advocating for better access to dental services.
