Preventing oral diseases in older adults living in long-term care facilities
Official title: Oral Disease Prevention Model in Long Term Care: WHO Systems Thinking Framework
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10799645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make dental care better for older adults living in long-term care facilities, focusing on the challenges they face in getting the oral hygiene they need and finding solutions to help keep their smiles healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $246,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE032137-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above living in long-term care facilities who require dental care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not residing in long-term care facilities or those who do not have dental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to improve dental care for older adults residing in long-term care facilities, where access to dental services is often limited. It aims to identify barriers that prevent these individuals from receiving necessary oral hygiene care and to develop a model for effective prevention of dental diseases. By utilizing a systems thinking framework, the study will explore the roles of caregivers and the healthcare system in supporting oral health among this vulnerable population. The approach includes assessing current practices and proposing solutions to enhance oral health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health and quality of life for older adults in long-term care settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeted interventions in oral health care can significantly improve outcomes for older adults, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henshaw, Michelle M — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Henshaw, Michelle M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.