AI delivers instant dental checks to aged care residents
A high-tech oral health trial at Lutheran Services' aged care sites in Queensland is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve dental care and quality of life for residents.
Lutheran Services is the first aged care provider in Australia to trial the AI-powered app, Smilo.ai, which delivers instant dental checks using a smartphone.
Lutheran Services Chief Clinician Melanie Wagner said poor oral health had serious implications for many seniors in residential aged care across Australia.
“We were excited to be invited to trial this ground-breaking technology and to partner with Smilo.ai founder Dr Padma Gadiyar and trainers from Seniors Dental Care Australia,’’ Melanie said.
“Oral health issues and poorly fitting dentures can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, including their ability to eat and enjoy their food. It is a major issue for aged care providers.’’
The Smilo.ai technology enables a trained staff member to photograph a resident’s mouth using the smartphone app. Images are analysed by AI, then reviewed by a dentist who generates a detailed report with product and treatment recommendations.
Caption: Nurse students Imogen Bunn, Tylah Rawlings, resident Joan Cook get teeth cleaning instruction from Dr Padma Gadiyar
The report is shared with staff, the resident and their family, along with recommendations whether treatment can be provided by a mobile dentist, or, if able, a visit to their regular dentist.
As part of the 12-month roll-out, Seniors Dental Care Australia founder Leonie Short will deliver training to Lutheran Services staff, including nurses and personal carers, on best practices in oral health.
Staff will also receive modified toothbrushes and fluoride-rich toothpaste to support daily care routines.
“This trial is putting Lutheran Services at the forefront of innovative technology with its multipronged approach to make oral health care more accessible to aged care residents,’’ Leonie said.
“Initially, Dr Gadiyar and I will screen residents using the Smilo.ai technology and then train several Lutheran Services staff to carry out future screening using the app. In six months, we will compare the data and expect to see improvements for residents across all sites.’’
Melanie said active oral disease and ill-fitting dentures were often seen in residents on admission to aged care with many confirming they had not seen a dentist in many years.
“We expect this technology will go a long way by improving early detection and timely interventions to ensure oral health care in aged care is more proactive than reactive,’’ she said.
“Accessing dental care, currently not provided under Medicare, creates significant financial barriers for many older Australians without private health insurance. “
As seniors age, their need for oral health care increases, but access decreases. It’s not just a financial struggle, as additional mobility issues can make in-person visits to the dentist difficult.
“The object of this trial is to strengthen our practice standards. The technology provides an oral scan onsite that will improve care and access to treatment to help residents continue to enjoy the social aspects of life, the joy of eating, and to age positively.
“Oral health assessments and care plans will be more holistic and personalised. Providing a higher level of care for our residents is at the heart of all we do at Lutheran Services.’’
The rollout is underway at six Lutheran Services aged sites at St Andrews on the Gold Coast, Sallem and Northridge Salem in Toowoomba, Zion in Nundah, Tabeel in Laidley and Orana at Kingaroy and will soon expand to its five other sites across Queensland.
Residents and their families have been highly supportive of the trial, with high attendance at information sessions.
