Aged Care Chapter Education Program

The DHAA Aged Care Education Program is for members of the Aged Care Chapter to gain a comprehensive understanding and the skills to confidently treat our elderly population with specific information around treating those in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF). It will cover everything from patient management to specific challenges our elderly face in RACF as well as give you an understanding of the health services available, referral pathways and business skills to start working in aged care as an oral health practitioner.

Education Objective

To support members in demonstrating competence in oral health care to older Australians with up to date and relevant professional knowledge including but not limited to:

Physiological changes in the oral cavity and associated systems with ageing
Behavioural changes and mental health of older people
Chronic diseases associated with ageing and their impact and association to oral health
Pharmacological updates for older people
Speech and nutrition for older people
Denture maintenance and assessment
Commonwealth and State health services for older people and their referral pathways
Informed consent, privacy and relevant legislative requirements in aged care

Delivery method

The program will be delivered by a combination of on-demand, self-directed learning online modules and interactive live online workshops.

The program is design to suit practitioners who are working and as such, provides a high level of flexibility mainly through pre-recorded webinars and self-directed learning activities that can be completed anytime.

Program Study Commitment
It is recommended that participants attempt to study for one module per fortnight, thus allowing for four months to complete the initial program. However the program is designed for busy practitioners that can pace themselves based on their work and domestic time commitment with a high level of flexibility over a 12 month period.

Module one - The older human beings
- Synopsis:
  This module outlines the physiological and behavioural changes to older people, and the impact of a residential care environment on the medical and living requirements of these individuals.
  Learning objectives:
  On completion of this module, participants will be able to:
  1. Describe the key changes in the physiological functions of older people and their possible impact on oral health.
  2. Outline the common behavioural considerations when dealing with older people, particularly in residential aged care facilities (RACF).
  3. List practical strategies when delivering oral health services to residents in aged care facilities.
  Delivery method:
  - One hour recorded webinar, with a panel discussion of a psychogeriatrician, oral health practitioner and RACF staff member (1 hour clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 Hour clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and reading as provided by the panel (Up to 2 hours clinical CPD)
Module two - Oral health triage and preventive care in Aged Care
- Synopsis:
  This module provides details of a preventive oral health triage program that provides preventive oral care on-site in the Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) environment delivered by qualified oral health therapists or dental hygienists. Residents receive oral health education, have oral health risk assessments conducted, have individual oral health care plans developed for them and then the Senior Smiles practitioners develop referral pathways to local dentists and dental prosthetists to ensure the residents have access to timely dental care, both at the RACF and in the community.
  Delivery method:
  - One hour recorded webinar, with one experienced oral health practitioner in aged care (1 hour clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 Hour clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and reading as provided by the program coordinator (Up to 2 hours clinical CPD)
Module three - Chronic diseases and pharmacological updates in older people
- Synopsis:
  This module provides and overview of common chronic diseases and their treatment/ management for residents in RACFs. Particular focus is on their impact on oral health care needs of residents.
  Learning objectives:
  On completion of the module, participants will be able to:
  1. Outline common chronic diseases frequently observed among residents of RACFs.
  2. List medications commonly used to treat these chronic diseases, and their impact on oral health care.
  3. Describe key evidence based resources available to dental practitioners for ongoing updates on relevant medications used in RACFs.
  4. Outline key referral pathways in relation to medication related issues in RACFs.
  Delivery method:
  - One hour recorded webinar presentation from an aged care pharmacist (1 hour clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 Hour clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and reading as provided by the presenter (Up to 2 hours clinical CPD)
Module four - Speech and nutrition for older people
- Synopsis:
  This module provides dental practitioners with practical understanding of the relevant issues in relation to nutrition and speech for residents in RACFs. The interaction among relevant health professions to address these issues will be explored.
  Learning objectives:
  On completion of this module, participants will be able
  1. List the key challenges in managing the oral health, functional communication, swallowing and hydration of residents in RACFs.
  2. Outline the roles of speech therapists, dietitians and dental practitioners in meeting these challenges.
  3. Describe how an inter-professional team approach can be utilised to address these issues.
  4. Outline the key referral pathways and services available for the professionals involved.
  Delivery method:
  - One hour recorded panel discussion of a speech therapist, a dietitian and a dental practitioner ( 1 hour clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 hour clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and readings as provided by the panel (up to 2 hours clinical CPD)
Module five - Denture and implant maintenance for older people
- Synopsis:
  This module provides an outline of up to date information on denture and implant technologies and their appropriate maintenance. Relevant resources and tools are also provided to support dental practitioners in assessing the residents and their dental prosthetics for referral to appropriate services.
  Learning objectives:
  On completion of this module, participants will be able to:
  1. Describe key dental prosthetics options for residents of RACFs.
  2. Outline the key considerations in the choice of dental prosthetics for older people.
  3. Conduct appropriate assessment to determine the appropriate dental prosthetic needs.
  4. Outline relevant referral pathway for optimal follow up.
  Delivery method:
  - One hour recorded presentation of a dental prosthetist and a specialist implant practitioner ( 1 hour clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 hour clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and readings as provided by the panel (up to 2 hours clinical CPD)
Module six - The Australian RACF system
- Synopsis:
  This module covers important administrative aspects of informed consent, privacy considerations, relevant services and funding information that might be useful for dental practitioners operating within the aged care sector.
  Learning objectives:
  On completion of this module, participants will be able to:
  1. Describe the structure of RACFs within the Australian Health Care system.
  2. List the key organisational structure and personnels of RACFs and their underlying business and funding models.
  3. Outline key issues and practical tips in relation to informed consent, privacy and other relevant legislative requirements.
  Delivery method:
  - One hour recorded presentation of an experienced aged care dental practitioner ( 1 hour non- clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 hour clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and readings as provided by the panel (up to 2 hours clinical CPD)
Modules seven and eight - Getting into the business of oral health in aged care
- Synopsis:
  The module provides participants with a business development model that allows gradual build up of clients in the aged care sector. Strategies in marketing, risk mitigation together with relevant business development and support resources are provided. This module focuses on supporting individual practitioners as a sole operator. It will also provide resources for a more structured business/ company/ partnership set up, however additional professional advice will be required.
  Learning objectives:
  On completion of the module, participants will be able to:
  1. Describe key benefits to both the residents and RACF management for a visiting dental practitioner to the facility.
  2. Outline the service model for a dental practitioner to service residents of a RACF.
  3. Summarise key advertising requirements and guidelines affecting dental practitioners.
  4. Develop a personal business plan for this venture in accordance to individual circumstance.
  5. Access relevant business support resources and templates.
  Delivery method x2
  - One hour recorded panel presentation of relevant business experts ( 1 hour non-clinical CPD)
  - One hour live interactive webinar discussion of business options and practical tips in business planning and development (1 hour non-clinical CPD)
  - Online self assessment via multiple choice questions post webinar (0.5 hour non clinical CPD)
  - Additional resources and readings as provided by the panel (up to 2 hours non clinical CPD)
Final Assessment
- Participants must complete an online final assessment with an 80% pass to complete the education program. Multiple attempts are allowed following any unsuccessful attempt.
  
  All coursework and assessments must be completed within 12 months from the commencement of the education program.

Recommended 2021 program schedule

Program registration open: July 2021
Education activities commenced: July 2021
Recommended study schedule: 2 weeks per module

To encourage uptake and eager adoption, the following discount fee will apply for members registering for the 1st intake by 30 June 2023:

First intake from 1 July 2021	$750
Subsequent intakes	$1500

A certificate of attainment will be issued on completion of the education program and assessments, as well as settlement of all payments.