Oral health care for hospitalized patients: the nurse's role.

Oral health care is an essential component of daily hygiene for hospitalized patients, and nurses have an important role in helping patients maintain an acceptable level of oral health. This study tested the hypothesis that nursing students are graduating with an insufficient knowledge of oral health care for hospitalized patients. Four groups of senior nursing students comprised the study sample. Study data reveal gaps in the subjects' knowledge of and rationale for oral health care procedures for hospitalized patients. However, the subjects also indicated a high level of interest in improving their ability to offer appropriate oral care services. In addition to study findings, an oral health care instructional unit outline for nursing students is presented.