Oral Health Care Provision to support Adult Care providers in the Oldham Borough (PSR Direct Award Option C - Intent to award notice)

Local Authorities have a statutory duty to provide or commission oral health improvement programmes to improve the health of the local population, to the extent they consider appropriate. Oral diseases, including the most common oral health conditions - tooth decay and gum disease- are largely preventable. Despite this, the impact of poor oral health locally, nationally and globally is huge. In the UK context, treatment of oral health conditions cost the NHS over £3 billion per year but the cost to society is even greater. Among older adults in residential care, poor oral hygiene can lead to aspirated pneumonia and malnutrition and dehydration, which in turn can lead to urinary tract infection. It vital that Oldham has a dedicated provision in place to support vulnerable older adults.