‘Whose role is it anyway?’ Experiences of community nurses in the delivery and support of oral health care for older people living at home: a grounded theory study

This qualitative grounded theory study explored the experiences of community nurses in delivering oral health care to older people living at home. Four key categories emerged—Education, Practice, Confidence, and Motivation—all围绕 a core category of Uncertainty. This uncertainty stemmed from limited oral health education both during initial training and in continuing professional development, which impacted practice, confidence, and motivation. A major barrier was a lack of time and poor interprofessional collaboration with domiciliary care workers and community dental services. The study's limitations include a sample recruited through professional networks, which may limit generalizability, and the use of online interviews. The findings imply a need for comprehensive oral health education and clearer interprofessional role definitions to improve oral health outcomes for this vulnerable population.