Tracking Progress with the OHAT Tool
In honor of Oral Health Month, we’re excited to share how our team is making a measurable impact in long-term care communities through the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT).
The OHAT helps us assess and monitor key areas of oral health like gum condition, dentures, saliva flow, buildup, and pain—giving us a full picture of a resident’s oral health status and helping guide care.
What Do OHAT Scores Mean?
Each resident is evaluated in 8 key areas of oral health, including lips, gums, natural teeth, dentures, oral hygiene, pain, saliva flow, and tongue. Each area is scored from 0 to 2:
Score – Meaning
0 – Healthy: No concerns. Oral tissues are pink, moist, and clean. No pain or buildup.
1 – Minor Problem: Early signs of concern like mild debris, red or dry tissue, or minor damage to dentures. Often reversible with routine care.
2 – Major Problem: Advanced concerns such as lesions, severe buildup, signs of dental pain, or very dry mouth. May require dental referral.
We add up the scores from all 8 categories to get a total score. Here’s what those scores indicate:
Total OHAT Score – What It Tells Us
0–2 – Excellent oral health. Minimal issues.
3–5 – Mild to moderate issues. Can be managed with consistent weekly care.
6–8 – Noticeable concerns. At-risk for complications like infection or discomfort.
9+ – Serious oral health problems. Needs targeted intervention and close monitoring.
What We Found (Jan–Apr 2025):
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927 total visits measured
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Average OHAT score dropped from 8 to 5
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98% of residents reached a score of 5 or better
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70% reached a score of 2 or better
Why It Matters:
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Up to 85% of seniors in long-term care have gum disease
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Up to 50% of pneumonia cases in this population are linked to poor oral hygiene
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Preventive oral care has been shown to:
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Lower pneumonia risk by up to 40%
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Cut hospitalization costs by 15–20%
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Improve nutrition and behavior in residents with dementia
Together, we’re not just improving smiles—we’re helping protect lives.
Thank you for supporting consistent, compassionate oral care!
