Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Rosie Pritchett, Professor Catherine ExleyORCiD, Dr Rebecca WassallORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2026 The Author(s). Gerodontology published by Gerodontology Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Background: Patient groups and policymakers are calling for the implementation of relationship-centred, co-ordinated care for vulnerable older people. Relationship-centred care highlights the significance of strong, quality relationships among residents, their families and the broader healthcare team. The present work performed a qualitative evidence synthesis to explore issues relating to the provision of relationship-centred dental care for older people living in care homes, as perceived by care home staff, dental professionals, family and residents. This builds on the existing evidence base and outlines areas for improvement of dental care provision within residential care homes. Methods: A ‘best fit’ framework synthesis of primary research was used to understand how and why current dental care might or might not be relationship-centred. A palliative healthcare-focused conceptual framework for relationship-centred care was used as the basis for the synthesis. The review focuses on qualitative primary research studies exploring dental care for care-home residents. Results: Of 235 unique citations, fifteen qualitative primary research papers were included. The synthesis identified supporting evidence for all five of the broad a priori themes from the relationship-centred care coding framework: Relationship-centred care, Integration within the wider health and social care systems, Digital inclusion, Workforce support and Parity of esteem. Relationships between themes were articulated. Conclusions: This ‘best-fit’ framework synthesis found that care home staff identified numerous barriers to providing relationship-centred dental care for older residents. Dentists, families and residents were underrepresented, highlighting the need for further research into their perspectives. By acknowledging the complexity of dental care and addressing issues such as integration, workforce support, digital services and parity of esteem, the synthesis suggests that applying organisational change research may help improve oral health outcomes in care homes.
Author(s): Pritchett R, Exley C, Carroll C, Wassall RR
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Gerodontology
Year: 2026
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 02/02/2026
Acceptance date: 22/01/2026
Date deposited: 16/02/2026
ISSN (print): 0734-0664
ISSN (electronic): 1741-2358
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/ger.70053
DOI: 10.1111/ger.70053
Data Access Statement: Data available on reasonable request to the authors
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
