An Oral Health Care Assessment (OHCA) is a simple but important check carried out by a dental professional to understand the overall health of your mouth. Instead of being a treatment, it’s more of a health review where we look closely at your teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues. We also take into account your medical and dental history to get the full picture. If anything needs attention—such as a cleaning, a filling, or signs of infection—it will be highlighted during the assessment. As part of every OHCA, we also carry out an oral cancer screening to make sure any early warning signs are not missed.
The assessment includes:
A visual check of teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues
Spotting any issues or treatments that may be needed
Oral cancer screening for early detection
Reviewing your medical and dental history
Sometimes, after an Oral Health Care Assessment (OHCA), a more detailed dental examination may be advised. This is usually when the dentist identifies areas of concern or feels that a closer look would help in planning the best treatment for you.
Unlike the general overview provided in an OHCA, a full dental examination offers a deeper understanding of your oral health. It may include:
Comprehensive charting of your teeth and mouth
X-rays, where needed
Detailed diagnostics and the creation of a personalised treatment plan
Once the OHCA is complete, we prepare a personalised Oral Health Care Plan for the patient. This is shared with the individual, their relative, and the care home (if relevant). The plan outlines the results of the assessment, tailored oral care advice, and any recommended treatments. We also provide a breakdown of costs for suggested treatments, but there is absolutely no obligation to go ahead. If further treatment is chosen, our team will return—ideally within two weeks—to complete it.
For care home residents, the Oral Health Care Assessment and Care Plan are completely free of charge. Any ongoing treatment that may be required will be priced individually, leaving the choice entirely up to you.
An OHCA helps individuals, families, and carers gain a clear understanding of ongoing oral health needs. Maintaining good oral health not only prevents toothache, decay, and tooth loss, but also ensures that more serious issues can be spotted early. A healthy mouth supports better nutrition, boosts self-esteem, and improves overall well-being. Research also shows that by reducing plaque—a natural buildup of bacteria in the mouth—we can lower the risks of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
