Influence of dentistry professionals and oral health assistance protocols on intensive care unit nursing staff. A survey study

Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) often lack oral health assistance,(1-3) with a direct influence on oral health problems related to higher morbidity and mortality. Poor oral health can lead to clinical problems such as locally spreading infections, respiratory tract infections, higher costs of ICU admissions, and higher use of medications such as antibiotics, which can result in the establishment of bacterial resistance and opportunistic infections.(3-8) Considering the value of oral health in preventing complications for ICU patients, it is important to implement oral healthcare protocols in the ICU. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of oral health care protocols, the routine activity of dental professionals, the oral healthcare knowledge of ICU staff and the methods used to provide this care to ICU patients. We tested the hypothesis that oral care protocols and training positively affect oral healthcare practice in the ICU.