Oral health and the homeless

The QNI's Homeless Health Project has released guidance on supporting homeless patients to improve their oral hygiene. The resource contains a guide to common oral health conditions that community nurses may encounter when treating homeless patients, such as periodontitis, oral cancer and caries. It also provides advice for community practitioners on ways to engage with homeless patients, and signpost them towards dental services.

The guidance was created after a study revealed that 99% of homeless patients required treatment for oral health problems and tooth decay. The QNI Homeless Health Project has also created resources for community nurses to support safeguarding, nutrition and mental health in homeless patients.