ROLES AND COMPETENCIES OF NURSING STUDENTS IN MAINTAINING ORAL HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS DEPENDENT ON OTHERS’ ASSISTANCE

Abstract

Population ageing represents a significant public health challenge, while older adults dependent on the assistance of others constitute a particularly vulnerable population group. Oral health is an integral part of general health and substantially affects functional ability, nutritional status, communication, and quality of life. However, in practice it is often neglected among older adults dependent on others’ assistance. This population is at increased risk of oral health deterioration due to reduced self-care capacity, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, medication-related xerostomia, inadequate care of dental prostheses, and limited access to dental services. Purpose: The aim of this narrative review with thematic synthesis was to synthesize empirical evidence and relevant guidelines regarding the roles and knowledge of nursing students in maintaining oral health in elderly dependent on others’ assistance across institutional care and home/community care settings, and to discuss implications for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methodology: A targeted search of relevant bibliographic databases was conducted, supplemented with regional sources and a review of relevant international guidelines and policy documents as well as national strategic documents. Results: The analysis suggests that nursing students recognize the nursing role in maintaining oral health of older adults dependent on others’ assistance through support in daily oral hygiene, oral assessment and monitoring, education of patients and informal caregivers, and referral to dental services. However, gaps in knowledge and self-confidence were identified, along with organizational barriers (time pressure, lack of standardized protocols and training), which contribute to oral health care being under-prioritized in routine practice. Conclusions: Strengthening students’ competencies in oral health care for older adults dependent on others’ assistance may improve the quality and safety of health care and enhance the quality of life of this high-risk population. Recommendations: The findings support the integration of oral health content into nursing curriculum, strengthening practical training and mentorship, and the development and validation of a locally adapted instrument to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes and practice, enabling identification of educational needs and monitoring of educational interventions. Alignment of educational outcomes and clinical protocols with international guidance, together with implementation adapted to the local context, is recommended. Additional data: Oral health care in dependent older adults should be framed as a patient safety priority due to its association with preventable complications, including aspiration-related respiratory infections and poor nutritional status. Strengthening nursing education in this area may contribute to safer, more person-centered long-term and community care and support healthy ageing in the local context.