Students educate geriatric population on oral health
By Karina Gaitan | Published by March 16, 2018
Dr. Rizzolo and students educate the local geriatric community on proper oral health. Photos by Karina Gaitan
Poor oral health is often an unrecognized disease that plays a role in the oral-systemic connection.
While rates and coverage for patients seeking medical care are slowly improving, those receiving oral and dental care remain stagnant. Additionally, patients with disabilities and/or mental disorders often neglect oral health and hygiene as the focus of their healthcare maybe on other comorbidities.
As part of a grant awarded by the nccPA Health Foundation, five students and nurse educator Denise Rizzolo, PhD, of Kean’s School of Nursing, visited two locations to demonstrate proper oral hygiene. Students included information technology major Karina Gaitan, nursing major Brian Ojiambo, pre-physicians assistant major Istvan (Steve) Bago, psychology major Nicole Echavarria and physical education and recreation major Annmarie Rapisardi.
On Jan. 29, the group visited the YMCA assisted living day program in Union, NJ and on Feb, 13, visited Community Access in Cranford, NJ, working with over 60 individuals between the two facilities.
Faculty and students reviewed daily brushing and flossing with the residents. Models were used to demonstrate proper brushing technique. Denture care was reviewed and proper cleaning was described. Medications that cause dry mouth were explained and solutions were presented.
The aim of this project was to provide oral health information to a local underserved geriatric population who have underlying disabilities and/or mental disorders. The project was inter professional and sustainable; setting the stage for students and clinicians to help meet the oral health needs of the local community.
Kean University is located in the center of a culturally diverse area, where many residents are of lower socioeconomic statuses. Kean has a commitment to serving the individuals in the surrounding area through health promotion and education. Teaming with the nursing department at Kean, along with engaging undergraduate students from the institution, allowed for a interdisciplinary approach to care.
Dr. Rizzolo is the professor of the Introduction to Public Health course and by bringing her students to various facilities she is able to explain the importance of giving back to the community, in terms of using oral health education as a channel to do so.
This allows students to learn from and with each other, while meeting an important unmet need: oral health education in the community.
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