Definition:

Disruption in tooth development, eruption patterns, or structural integrity of individual teeth.

Assessment Findings:

• Visual inspection reveals dental caries or missing teeth
• Patient reports difficulty chewing or tooth sensitivity
• Presence of gum inflammation or bleeding
• Irregular dental check-up history
• Lack of knowledge about dental benefits through CDCP

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will demonstrate improved oral hygiene techniques within one week
• Patient will successfully access dental care through CDCP if eligible
• Patient will verbalize understanding of dental care options and coverage details
• Patient will show evidence of improved oral health status at follow-up
• Patient will develop a consistent dental care routine

Evaluation:

• Reassess oral cavity for improvement in condition
• Verify patient’s successful enrollment in CDCP if eligible
• Monitor adherence to oral hygiene recommendations
• Document patient’s verbal feedback regarding pain reduction or improved comfort
• Assess patient’s ability to maintain adequate nutrition

Definition:

Unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage in the oral cavity, or described in terms of such damage; sudden or slow onset of any intensity from mild to severe with an anticipated or predictable end.

Assessment Findings:

• Patient reports localized or generalized oral pain
• Pain worsens with temperature extremes or sweet foods
• Visible swelling, redness, or lesions in the oral cavity
• Limited mouth opening or difficulty eating
• Patient reports delaying treatment due to cost concerns

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will report decreased pain levels within 24-48 hours
• Patient will verbalize understanding of pain management strategies
• Patient will obtain appropriate dental care through CDCP if eligible
• Patient will demonstrate improved ability to maintain adequate nutrition despite pain
• Patient will verbalize understanding of when to seek emergency dental care

Evaluation:

• Reassess pain levels using standardized scale
• Monitor effectiveness of pain management strategies
• Verify patient has scheduled or received dental treatment
• Assess improved ability to perform daily activities
• Document resolution of acute symptoms following treatment

Definition:

Vulnerable to invasion and multiplication of pathogenic organisms in the oral cavity, which may compromise health.

Assessment Findings:

• Visible signs of infection in oral cavity (swelling, redness, purulent discharge)
• Elevated temperature or localized warmth
• Presence of risk factors for oral infections
• History of recurrent oral infections
• Inadequate knowledge of infection prevention

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will remain free from signs of oral infection
• Patient will demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques
• Patient will verbalize understanding of infection prevention strategies
• Patient will access appropriate dental care through CDCP if eligible
• Patient will recognize and report early signs of infection

Evaluation:

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection
• Assess patient’s adherence to oral hygiene protocols
• Verify completion of dental treatment if infection was present
• Document improvement in oral health status
• Evaluate patient’s understanding of early infection signs

Definition:

Intake of nutrients insufficient to meet metabolic needs due to difficulty consuming adequate food because of oral health problems.

Assessment Findings:

• Patient reports changes in food preferences due to dental issues
• Unintentional weight loss documented
• Physical examination reveals signs of nutritional deficiencies
• Oral examination shows impaired dentition affecting eating
• Food diary indicates limited variety or nutritional inadequacy

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will maintain or achieve appropriate weight
• Patient will demonstrate increased dietary diversity despite dental limitations
• Patient will verbalize strategies for adequate nutrition with dental challenges
• Patient will access dental care through CDCP to address underlying dentition issues
• Patient will show improved energy levels and physical strength

Evaluation:

• Monitor weight trends and nutritional laboratory values
• Assess patient’s compliance with dietary modifications
• Document improvement in nutritional intake
• Verify progress with dental treatment plan
• Evaluate patient’s satisfaction with eating ability

Definition:

Absence or deficiency of cognitive information related to dental care, oral health practices, and available resources through the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Assessment Findings:

• Patient demonstrates poor understanding of oral health concepts
• Patient is unaware of CDCP eligibility criteria despite appearing to qualify
• Patient expresses misconceptions about what services are covered
• Patient shows inadequate dental hygiene techniques
• Patient cannot explain the connection between oral health and general health

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will verbalize accurate information about CDCP eligibility and coverage
• Patient will demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques
• Patient will successfully complete CDCP application if eligible
• Patient will verbalize understanding of the connection between oral and overall health
• Patient will explain appropriate dental care seeking behaviors

Evaluation:

• Verify patient’s understanding through teach-back method
• Assess patient’s ability to demonstrate oral care techniques
• Monitor successful completion of CDCP application process
• Document improvements in knowledge and practice
• Identify areas requiring reinforcement

Definition:

Inability to identify, manage, and/or seek help to maintain dental health due to financial, social, or knowledge barriers.

Assessment Findings:

• Patient reports extended period without dental care
• Patient cites financial limitations as reason for delaying care
• Evidence of progressive dental disease
• Patient is unaware of available resources like CDCP
• Patient expresses feeling overwhelmed by healthcare system

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will identify personal barriers to dental care maintenance
• Patient will access the Canadian Dental Care Plan if eligible
• Patient will schedule and attend dental appointments
• Patient will develop strategies to overcome identified barriers
• Patient will establish a regular dental care routine

Evaluation:

• Monitor patient’s progress in accessing dental care
• Verify CDCP application status if applicable
• Assess attendance at scheduled dental appointments
• Document strategies developed to address barriers
• Evaluate improvement in health maintenance behaviors

Definition:

Vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread accompanied by an autonomic response in anticipation of dental treatment; the source is often nonspecific or unknown to the individual.

Assessment Findings:

• Patient reports anxiety or fear about dental procedures
• History of canceling or postponing dental appointments
• Increased vital signs when discussing dental treatment
• Physical symptoms of anxiety (sweating, trembling, rapid breathing)
• Verbalization of specific dental fears or concerns about CDCP coverage

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will verbalize reduced anxiety about dental procedures
• Patient will attend scheduled dental appointments
• Patient will demonstrate use of anxiety management techniques
• Patient will express confidence in understanding CDCP coverage
• Patient will show physiological stability during dental discussions

Evaluation:

• Monitor anxiety levels using standardized assessment tools
• Assess attendance at dental appointments
• Verify use of learned coping strategies
• Document patient’s self-report of anxiety reduction
• Evaluate physiological indicators of stress

Definition:

Confusion in mental picture of one’s physical self due to visible dental conditions that affect appearance.

Assessment Findings:

• Patient expresses embarrassment about dental appearance
• Observable changes in social behavior (avoiding smiling, covering mouth)
• Reports of career or relationship impact
• Expressed desire for dental procedures not covered by CDCP
• Signs of psychological distress related to appearance

Expected Outcomes:

• Patient will verbalize improved acceptance of dental appearance
• Patient will demonstrate increased comfort in social interactions
• Patient will access appropriate dental care through CDCP
• Patient will demonstrate realistic expectations regarding dental aesthetics
• Patient will utilize effective coping strategies

Evaluation:

• Assess changes in verbal expressions regarding dental appearance
• Monitor behavioral indicators of body image disturbance
• Document progress with dental treatment plan
• Evaluate improvement in social interactions
• Assess effectiveness of coping strategies