Managing Oral Health Course

Managing Oral Health – Online Course

Course overview
This one-hour online course introduces the principles of oral health and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. It covers common oral health concerns, including dental plaque, periodontal disease and dry mouth, alongside practical approaches to teeth brushing, denture care and mouth care risk assessment. The course is CPD accredited and provides one CPD point.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 course designed to develop oral health awareness and underpinning knowledge. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to oral health and its importance
• Oral health basics and key terminology
• Dental plaque and how it develops
• Periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene
• The relationship between diet and oral health
• Recognising a healthy and unhealthy mouth
• Dry mouth, its effects and treatment
• Appropriate teeth-brushing techniques
• Denture care and cleaning
• Mouth care risk assessment
• Knowledge checks on mouth care

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for people who need introductory oral health knowledge as part of their work. It can support staff induction, refresher training, awareness and knowledge development.

It may be relevant to:
• Dentists and dental hygienists
• Dental assistants
• Nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals
• Community health workers
• Caregivers and support staff
• Employees in dental practices, hospitals, care homes and residential facilities
• Staff working in community health, schools and home care settings
• People who support others with daily oral hygiene

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of oral health and its contribution to overall wellbeing
• Recognise common concerns such as dental plaque, periodontal disease and dry mouth
• Understand the importance of effective teeth brushing and denture cleaning
• Identify factors that may affect oral hygiene
• Support consistent mouth care practices within the boundaries of one’s role
• Recognise when oral health concerns may require advice or escalation
• Obtain a CPD-accredited certificate to demonstrate successful course completion

What learners will be able to do
• Explain fundamental oral health principles and terminology
• Describe how dental plaque develops and affects oral health
• Identify common oral health concerns and relevant risk factors
• Recognise characteristics of a healthy and unhealthy mouth
• Understand good-practice approaches to teeth brushing and denture care
• Explain the purpose of mouth care risk assessment
• Recognise individual responsibilities and role boundaries
• Communicate concerns and identify when further advice or reporting may be needed

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz to check their understanding of the course material. Successful completion leads to a free CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed. A hard copy can also be requested. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and awards one CPD point.