치과위생사의 노인·장애인 구강건강관리 중재 활동을 위한 매뉴얼: 시설방문 시범사업 사례 중심으로

Oral Health Care Intervention Manual for the Old Adults and Disabled in Dental Hygienist: Focusing on Facility Visit Pilot Project Cases

Objectives: This study aims to develop a practical manual for oral health management for the older adults and disabled in care facilities, ensuring its effective application by dental hygienists in future facility-based oral health interventions. Methods: Based on the training programs for geriatric and disabled dental hygienists conducted by the Korean Dental Hygienists Association’s Special Committee on Geriatric and Disabled Oral Health, a manual was developed during 2023-2024. The manual integrates intervention activities conducted in six care facilities located in Incheon, Seoul, and Masan. Results: Facility-based oral health intervention activities were highly effective in addressing health and oral issues among older adults and disabled. The manual, developed through a comprehensive approach involving needs assessment, pre- and post-intervention oral evaluations, professional oral hygiene care, oral muscle strengthening exercises, individualized oral health education, and counseling, demonstrated its practical utility. Conclusions: To ensure the continued effectiveness and sustainability of visiting oral health interventions, foundational education and advanced certification systems should be established within university curricula. Additionally, legal reforms and institutional improvements must be implemented.