Dental needs of residents and carers in elderly peoples' homes and carers' attitudes to oral health.

The dental needs of elderly people in residential homes and of their carers were investigated. Also, the carers' attitudes to oral health for themselves and the elderly residents were explored. Professionally diagnosed or normative need was greater than lay persons' perceived need in both groups. Overall, carers' attitudes towards their own and the residents' oral health were positive. However, carers had experienced a lack of formal training opportunities for mouth care and 93% requested education in oral hygiene procedures. It is recommended that the dental team develops and provides oral care programmes which will enable carers to provide routine hygiene support for the residents.