This bite-sized course helps care workers and support workers deliver safe, person-centred mouth care that protects comfort, confidence and quality of life. Learners will explore how to prepare properly, use PPE appropriately, adapt their approach for different needs, and recognise signs of poor oral health that must be recorded and reported.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain why safe oral hygiene and denture care matter for comfort, nutrition and infection prevention.
- Prepare for mouth care by checking the care plan and mouth care plan, gaining consent and positioning the person safely.
- Use PPE based on risk assessment and your organisation’s infection prevention and control policy.
- Recognise common signs of poor oral health and know what must be recorded and reported.
- Adapt mouth care for natural teeth, dentures and swallowing difficulties, following the care plan and any professional guidance.
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Overview
This online training course has been designed specifically for Care and Support Workers working in a social care setting. It may also be useful to a wider audience of people who would like to know more about Oral Hygiene and Denture Care.
- Why mouth care matters, including comfort, confidence, eating and drinking, and reducing infection risk
- Preparing safely, including checking plans, gaining consent, positioning, and setting up equipment
- Good infection prevention practice during mouth care, including hand hygiene and PPE decisions
- What to look for during mouth care, including sore gums, dry mouth, broken or painful teeth, and sore areas under dentures
- Supporting different needs, including natural teeth, denture cleaning and storage, and safer approaches for people with swallowing difficulties
- Practical scenario video with reflection, a safe or unsafe activity, and knowledge checks
Approx. 20 to 30 minutes, including a short video scenario, interactive tasks, and knowledge checks.
This course supports:
- Person-centred care, dignity and consent during personal care support
- Safe infection prevention practice in care settings
- Accurate record keeping and timely reporting of concerns
- Supporting nutrition, hydration, comfort and wellbeing through consistent mouth care
- Good practice across care homes, home care, supported living and community services, suitable for induction or refresher training
Hugh Asher, BSc (Hons), MSc (Merit), PhD (Applied Social Science)
As a course consultant, Hugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His extensive background in working with individuals with diverse needs, combined with his passion for utilising nature as a therapeutic tool, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to learners.
Participants in the courses “Caring for People with Autism”, “Supporting People with Learning Disabilities”, “Mental Health Awareness” and “Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities” can expect to gain valuable skills and understanding in providing effective care and support.
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