Aims: Inadequate oral health of older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) has been recognised internationally for several decades. Yet only recently with the rising number of institutionalised elderly has the need for oral health care increased pressure on public policy, health care providers and dental practitioners to address this issue. Using the principles of the Ottawa Charter, the aim of this presentation is to outline key barriers to effective engagement of health care providers (HCPs) in promoting an oral health care strategy for RACFs, and to identify policy goals to overcome these barriers.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using MEDline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete and PsychInfo between 2000-2013, together with a grey literature search of government and non-government organisation policy papers and reports, conference proceedings and theses. Key words included dental/oral care, residential aged care, health care providers, barriers, constraints, and limitations.

Results: A range of system, service and provider level barriers were identified that impede effective communication between different HCPs in terms of oral health provision. The findings highlighted ‘missed opportunities’ to overcoming barriers.

Implications: This review sets the agenda for future action towards a more multi-faceted approach through greater attention to cross-sector engagement between RACF managers and HCPs focused on: collaborative protocol development and care management; training/support focused on skills, confidence, motivation and determinants of behaviour change promoted through oral care ‘champions’; reintroduction of mobile dental treatment vans to overcome transportation difficulties; and more consistent client support with clearer referral pathways.