title: A qualitative analysis of oral health care needs in arkansas nursing facilities: the professional role of the dental hygienist.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Frail elders and nursing home residents are vulnerable to poor oral health and frequently lack access to dental care. The purpose of this study was to determine why residents in Arkansas skilled nursing facilities have limited access to oral health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study utilized qualitative research methodology. Data was collected from oral health care personnel through open-ended responses in a written survey (n=23) and through telephone interviews (n=21). The investigators applied the constant comparative method to analyze and unitize the data and ultimately reach consensus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis resulted in consensus on 2 emergent themes: policy and access.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This qualitative case study suggests access to oral health care for residents living in both long-term care (LTC) and assisted living I and II facilities in Arkansas is affected by public and facility policies and access to oral health care as a function of the patient's health status and availability of oral health care providers. Access for residents residing in assisted living I and II facilities is also limited by the residents' inability to assume responsibility for accessing oral health care. The outcomes from this study may serve to inform policymakers and advocates for access to oral health care as they develop new policies to address this growing need.
authors.forename: Virginia M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Hardgraves
authors.forename: Tanya Villalpando
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Carrie-Carter
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Hanson
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simmer-Beck
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001131:Arkansas; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009909:Oral Health; D024382:Professional Role; D011640:Public Policy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: access to care; assisted living; dental hygiene; elderly; long term care; nursing home; older adult; oral health