Plan of Treatment for Oral Care

Question

Answer

As an SLP, I typically do not say anything about oral care. My goals will focus on "oral motor movements, strength and range of movement." Example: "The patient will exhibit right lingual lateralization to the molars through resistance training." If I need to include activities or methodology in my goals then I will mention "during or through oral care or chewing activities". If the plan of care is for the "team" (e.g. ST, OT, Nursing, etc.) then the goal can discuss oral care. Example: "The patient will exhibit increased lingual range of motion during oral care." Or "The patient will exhibit pink, moist oral mucosa with oral care completed 3X daily."

Please visit the SpeechPathology.com eLearning Library to view our courses on feeding/swallowing disorders and many other topics in the field.

Gale Estes-Waddell, M.A., CCC-sp has over 25 years of experience working with adults and pediatrics in the acute, rehabilitation, outpatient and home health settings. Gale has developed, consulted and managed several interdisciplinary dysphagia programs. She is trained in Neurodevelopmental treatment for adults. Gale has presented nationally on topics of dysphagia and Neurodevelopmental Therapy.