Education


Classes and Training Past Events Educational Articles Grant’s Received


What is Mouth Care Matters?

Mouth Care Matters (MCM) is a one-day specialty training in the area of oral care. MCM was originally designed for home care, hospice, and nurse aides; personal assistants; patient care technicians; and direct support professionals, but the program is also suitable for other health and long term service and support (LTSS) staff including licensed nurses. Family caregivers may also benefit from the training. Taught by dental hygienists who are certified instructors, the program offers practical hands-on skills on how to provide the best oral care possible for Iowans of all ages and abilities. One of the greatest take-aways by participants is “a greater understanding about the link between a healthy mouth and one’s overall health and well-being.” 

Click here to learn more about the Mouth Care Matters Program.

MCM is one of three major grant initiatives of the Lifelong Smiles Coalition and funded by Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation (DDIAF).  The other two initiatives are I-Smile™ Silver and the establishment of the Office of Education and Training within the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, all with the common goal of increasing access to oral health for older Iowans who are homebound or residents in a nursing home. Contact Mary Ann Young at maryann@iowacaregivers.org or  l 515-223-2805 for more information.

Mouth Care Matters Highlights Volume 2; Spring 2018
Learn more about the project’s status, lessons learned, and recommendations for increasing access.

MCM classes are taught by dental hygienists. 

Click here to view current instructors by region.


Return to this page for future class postings.