NRC Research Director Dr. Brad Richardson presented results from a direct care worker training program at the 2017 Aging in America Conference in Chicago on March 22, 2017. The results from the evaluation of the training program indicated significant increases in oral health knowledge in direct care workers. Changes in day to day practice were also found through follow-up observation in long-term care facilities. Findings and recommendations for curriculum, training, organizational improvements and ongoing evaluation to help overcome institutional barriers and further improve oral care in long-term settings were discussed. Dr. Richardson's presentation also provided recommendations for how oral health could be improved in long term care settings and detailed how important oral health care is for overall health.

For more information on the NRC's work around direct care workers and programs promoting healthy aging please visit our projects page or contact Dr. Brad Richardson.