Oral healthcare in nursing homes is known to be sub-standard(1). There are several reasons why this is the case. From the perspective of dentists, the nursing home environment is not conducive for adequate oral examination and treatment. Many dentists cite a lack of portable dental equipment that can be brought into residential settings(2). As a result, many dentists willing to invest in the oral health of these residents would like patients to come to the office so they can provide an appropriate standard of care. However, nursing staff members and administrators believe the convenience of transporting residents from the nursing home to the dental office for treatment is “nearly impossible(2).” This arises from the difficulty of caring for cognitively disabled people. Indeed, Chalmers and Pearson argue that the greatest obstacle to the provision of oral care in these facilities arises from the cognitive, functional and communicative impairment of the residents (3). In a 2008 study, research found that approximately 68% of nursing home residents had cognitive problems (4). Approximately 40% of these residents were classified as having a serious mental disorder (4). According to Chalmers, oral health assessment generally depends on the resident's ability to independently identify problems with their oral health and their ability to cooperate and communicate with them. the nursing staff(3). This illustrates a problem with those patients who lack the cognitive ability to independently identify dental problems and then communicate them effectively to professionals. This is extremely common among patients suffering from dementia. One barrier suggested to prevent residents from receiving adequate oral health care is the possible negative... half of article... JM, Pearson A. A systematic review of oral health assessment by nurse practitioners and nurse aides residents with dementia in residential care facilities. Dentist for specific treatments. 2005;25(5):227-33.3. Chalmers J, Pearson A. Oral hygiene care for residents with dementia: a review of the literature. J Lawyer Nurs. 2005;52(4):410-9.4. Chen X, Clark JJ, Naorungroj S. Oral health in nursing home residents with different cognitive states. Gerodontology. 2013;30(1):49-60.5. Forsell M, Sjogren P, Kullberg E, Johansson O, Wedel P, Herbst B, et al. Attitudes and perceptions towards oral hygiene tasks among geriatric nursing home staff. Int J Dent Hyg. 2011;9(3):199-203.6. Isaksson R, Paulsson G, Fridlund B, Nederfors T. Evaluation of an oral health education program for nursing staff in special housing facilities for the elderly. Part II: Clinical aspects. Dentist for specific treatments. 2000;20(3):109-13.