To provide a point-in-time measurement of the oral health of elderly inpatients across the trust (elderly defined here as over 70 years). This will provide information about the number of teeth, need for restorative and periodontal treatment, and extractions, the health of the oral mucosa, quality of any dentures and hygiene of the teeth and dentures.

Such information will allow identification of any problems with oral health in this hospital population, thereby allowing development of strategies and protocols for managing these problems. There have been a number of studies examining these variables in elderly residents in care homes and a few in long term hospital settings (over 1 year admission), but only one in the UK previously in acute hospitals. Therefore the published literature is sparse, and requires further data collection. The oral health of the elderly, but particularly the institutionalized, is increasingly recognised for its important relationships with general health, wellbeing and quality of life. This study will provide useful information to address these concerns.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 70 or over and admitted to geriatric ward within the study area, able to consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to consent, aged under 70

older adults admitted to elderly care wards within the trust. The hospital sites to be included are - NSECH, North Tyneside, Wansbeck, Hexham, Haltwhistle, Morpeth, Blyth, Alnwick and Berwick.

Not planned to be shared