uSing rolE-substitutioN In care homes to improve ORal health

SENIOR is a cluster-randomised controlled trial to determine whether other members of the dental team (not a dentist) could improve the oral health of dentate older adults over 65 years-of-age residing in care homes and other dependent settings.

The trial is being run by Bangor University, along with its partners University College London, Queen’s University Belfast and the National Health Service.

SENIOR is being conducted over a six-month period in Wales, North-West England, Northern Ireland and England. In the intervention arm, Dental Therapists will provide routine dental care, including the placement of fillings and basic periodontal (gum) treatment. Dental Nurses will also visit the care homes on a monthly basis to professionally administer fluoride varnish, oversee the use of high-strength fluoride toothpaste and supervise tooth brushing in accordance with evidence-based guidelines.

The intervention is being compared to ‘treatment as usual’ and the Primary Outcome Measure is a change in the level of dental plaque in the resident, which is a measure of oral cleanliness.

The ISCTRN # is 16332897 (https://www.isrctn.com)

Published protocol: McKenna G, Tsakos G, Watson S, Jenkins A, Algar PM, Evans R, Baker SR, Chestnutt IG, Smith CJ, O’Neill C, Hoare Z. uSing rolE-substitutioN In care homes to improve ORal health (SENIOR): a study protocol. Trials. 2022 Aug 18;23(1):679.