Why Oral Health Training Matters

The CQC expects care homes to demonstrate that staff are competent in supporting residents’ oral health needs. NICE guidelines (NG48) recommend that all care home staff receive oral health awareness training, and that each home has a designated oral health lead. Poor oral health in care home residents is linked to malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, pain, infection, and reduced quality of life.

Our practical, hands-on training sessions are designed specifically for care home staff. We deliver them on-site at your care home, so there’s no need for staff to travel or arrange cover — minimising disruption to your operations.

What Our Training Covers

Understanding oral health: Why oral health matters for elderly residents, common dental conditions, and the link between oral health and systemic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and pneumonia.

Daily mouth care: Practical guidance on how to clean residents’ teeth, dentures, and mouths effectively — including techniques for residents with dementia or who resist personal care.

Denture care: How to clean, store, and identify common denture problems. How to label dentures and prevent mix-ups.

Recognising problems: How to spot signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral thrush, dry mouth, oral cancer, and dental emergencies — and when to escalate to a dentist.

Oral health assessments: How to carry out basic oral health assessments for new and existing residents, and how to document findings in care plans.

CQC compliance: What CQC inspectors look for regarding oral health, how to evidence your oral health procedures, and how to develop an oral health policy for your home.

Training Format

Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and combine a presentation with practical demonstrations. We bring model teeth, dentures, and oral care products for hands-on practice. Staff receive a certificate of attendance and a printed reference guide to keep on the ward.

We can deliver training during shift handovers, team meetings, or dedicated training days — whatever works best for your home. Sessions can be repeated for different shift patterns to ensure all staff are trained.

Annual Oral Health Partnership

For care homes that want comprehensive, ongoing oral health support, we offer an annual partnership that includes staff training, regular resident screening clinics, emergency dental cover, and support with CQC documentation and oral health policies. This gives you peace of mind that your residents’ dental needs are fully covered and your CQC obligations are met.

Visit our care home services hub for our full range of services, or call us to discuss a package tailored to your home.