An assessment of the level of dental and mouthcare knowledge amongst nurses working with elderly patients.

A 60 item questionnaire was completed by a self-selected sample of nurses working with elderly patients. The questionnaire was divided into three sections; to collect personal data, to assess the nurses' attitude to mouthcare and their level of training in this subject, and to assess the level of dental knowledge. This paper identifies the disadvantages of using a self selected as opposed to a random sample. Analysis of the completed questionnaires revealed a fairly high level of basic training in dental and mouthcare matters. There was however, a paucity of specific dental knowledge e.g. there was some confusion over the aetiology and prevention of dental caries and also as to the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis. In addition, few nurses seemed to be aware of the effects systemic disease and drugs may have on the oral tissues. In spite of this most respondents achieved more than 50 per cent correct answers. A number of recommendations to improve nurses' dental knowledge is given at the end of the article.