[Adaptation of dental home care--report number 2: Attempt at a new system of dental home care]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 1999 Dec:26 Suppl 2:299-304.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

In the first report we revealed some problems in visiting dental treatment, and concluded that a new dental care system should be constructed for the solution of those problems. Therefore, we started a new system which included dental treatment under hospitalization in our dental hospital. For home patients this system aims at treating, managing smoothly and providing better dental treatment, due to the choice of hospitalization, outpatient care, or home visits in the medical process. In the period from March, 1993, when our dental hospital was established, until December, 1998 treatment was given 1,527 times with 420 patients under this system, and 127 of these patients chose dental treatment under hospitalization. Dental treatment under hospitalization is the management method not found in usual dental treatment, but it is indispensable to our system. When we decide hospitalization, we must make an overall estimate of the patient's general condition, contents of treatment, eating function and nutritional condition, background, and the wishes of the patient and family. In principle, visiting dental treatment is intended for a patient who has finished dental treatment. When treatment is necessary, it should be limited to simple treatment, first aid and maintenance. The oral care of many home patients under the present circumstances is not practiced sufficiently, and cooperation of medical and welfare workers is required to improve such conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Dental Care / organization & administration*
  • Dental Care for Chronically Ill
  • Home Care Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans