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Oral Health Assessments Delivered Where Seniors Live
A thorough evaluation of your loved one's oral health, carried out by a qualified dental professional at their home, retirement residence, or long-term care facility with no travel required.
No Travel Required
We come to your loved one's room, suite, or community eliminating the challenges and anxiety of clinic transport.
A Clear Starting Point
The assessment establishes a complete picture of current oral health, forming the foundation for any future care decisions.
Respectful, Familiar Setting
Care is provided in a calm, familiar environment reducing stress for seniors who may find clinical settings distressing.
Family-Informed Planning
Findings are shared clearly with families, caregivers, and facility staff to support informed decisions about next steps.
What Is a Mobile Oral Health Assessment?
An oral health assessment is a structured clinical evaluation of a patient's mouth, teeth, gums, and surrounding oral tissues. For seniors in long-term care, retirement homes, or community residences, these evaluations are often delayed or missed entirely due to transportation challenges, mobility limitations, or cognitive difficulties that make clinic visits impractical.
Senior Mobile Dental Services brings the assessment directly to the patient. Our dental professionals arrive with portable, clinical-grade equipment and conduct a thorough review in the comfort of the patient's own environment whether that's a private suite, a shared room, or a community common area.
The goal is not simply to examine teeth. It is to understand the full picture of a person's oral health, identify concerns early, and work collaboratively with families, caregivers, and the care team to develop a plan that supports the patient's comfort, nutrition, and overall wellbeing.
Who This Service Is For
This service is designed for older adults who face barriers to traditional dental care, and for the families and facilities who support them.
Seniors in Long-Term Care
Residents in LTC facilities who require dental care but cannot be transported to a clinic due to medical or mobility needs.
Retirement Home Residents
Individuals living in retirement communities who would benefit from convenient, in-residence dental evaluation and follow-up.
Seniors Living at Home
Older adults aging in place particularly those with limited mobility, who live alone, or who rely on family for transportation.
Adults with Cognitive Needs
Individuals living with dementia or other cognitive changes who benefit from care delivered in their familiar surroundings.
Families & Substitute Decision-Makers
Family members or legal representatives who want to ensure their loved one's oral health is being regularly monitored and documented.
Care Facilities & Staff
Long-term care homes, community residences, and retirement facilities seeking a reliable dental partner to serve their residents on-site.
What May Be Included
The scope of an assessment may vary depending on the patient's needs, medical history, and current condition. Where clinically appropriate, a comprehensive visit may include:
Visual and tactile examination of the gums, tongue, cheeks, palate, and other soft tissues for signs of inflammation, lesions, or other concerns.
Assessment of existing natural teeth for decay, fractures, wear, and any conditions that may affect comfort or function.
Evaluation of the fit, condition, and hygiene of existing dentures, where applicable, including the underlying tissues.
Assessment of current oral hygiene status and practices, with recommendations that suit the patient's abilities and care setting.
A review of the patient's relevant medical history, current medications, and any conditions that may affect dental care decisions.
A written summary of findings and, where appropriate, a recommended care plan outlining suggested next steps and priorities.
Where consent is in place, findings may be shared with the family member, substitute decision-maker, or facility care team.
If a concern is identified that requires specialist care or further diagnostic imaging, an appropriate referral will be provided.
How the Process Works
We aim to make every visit as smooth and stress-free as possible for the patient, their family, and the care facility.
Request Care
Contact us by phone or online form. A family member, facility coordinator, or caregiver can submit the request on behalf of the patient.
Schedule the Visit
We coordinate directly with the facility or family to find a convenient time. We work around the patient's routine and care schedule.
On-Site Assessment
Our dental professional arrives with portable equipment and conducts a thorough, unhurried evaluation at the patient's location.
Care Plan & Follow-Up
Findings are documented and communicated clearly. We discuss next steps, whether that's a return visit, a referral, or continued monitoring.
Why Families and Facilities Value This Service
Oral health is closely connected to overall health and for seniors, untreated dental issues can affect nutrition, sleep, speech, comfort, and quality of life. A regular assessment helps catch concerns early.
Reassurance for Families
Your loved one's oral health is checked and documented without them having to leave their residence. We communicate findings clearly and without clinical jargon.
Continuity of Care for Facilities
For retirement homes and long-term care facilities, we become an integrated part of the resident's care team. We work alongside nursing staff, personal support workers, and care coordinators to support holistic resident wellbeing.
Supporting Substitute Decision-Makers
If you are acting as a substitute decision-maker for a family member, we will ensure you have the information you need to make informed choices about their dental care clearly explained, and without pressure.
How You Can Support the Visit
- Let us know about any relevant medical history, current medications, or recent changes in the patient's health.
- Inform facility staff ahead of the visit so they can help prepare the patient and the space.
- If your loved one experiences dental anxiety, let us know we are trained to work sensitively with patients who are nervous or have complex needs.
- If a substitute decision-maker needs to be present or available for consent, please arrange this in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental care in Ontario is generally not covered under OHIP for most adults. Other government dental programs may be available depending on eligibility. Please contact our office so we can confirm which coverage options SMDS can support.
Most assessments take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the patient's individual needs, medical complexity, and how cooperative they are able to be during the visit. We do not rush our approach is patient and unhurried, and we work at the pace that is right for each individual.
No. Our team is experienced in providing care to patients with significant mobility limitations, including those who are fully bed-bound. We bring portable equipment designed for bedside use and can conduct assessments in wheelchairs, standard chairs, or in bed, depending on what is most comfortable and appropriate for the patient.
Following the assessment, you will receive a clear summary of findings. If treatment or follow-up is recommended, we will discuss options and help determine the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically appropriate, we can schedule follow-up visits directly either for ongoing preventive care or to address specific concerns identified during the assessment.
Yes. We welcome the presence of family members, substitute decision-makers, or familiar care staff during the assessment particularly when this helps the patient feel more comfortable or at ease. If you plan to be present, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We work with long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and community residences on an ongoing basis. We can schedule regular visits weekly, bi-weekly, or on another agreed schedule to assess and treat multiple residents efficiently. Please contact us to discuss a service arrangement that works for your facility's size, resident needs, and team schedule.
Ready to Request an Assessment?
Getting started is straightforward. Contact us to discuss your loved one's needs or to arrange a first visit whether you're a family member, facility coordinator, or caregiver.
Serving retirement homes, long-term care facilities, and seniors' residences across Eastern Ontario.
