Pharmacists’ role in recognising medication-related oral health risks in aged care: a qualitative study of pharmacists’ and dentists’ perspectives

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Medication-related oral health complications, including salivary gland hypofunction, xerostomia, dental caries, candidiasis, mucosal injury, and swallowing difficulties, are common among older adults exposed to polypharmacy across aged-care and broader clinical practice contexts. Pharmacists are increasingly involved in medication management in residential aged care and may be well positioned to support the earlier recognition of medication-related oral health risks. Despite this, previous literature suggests that oral health is often insufficiently integrated into medication management, interdisciplinary care pathways, and pharmacist education frameworks. Aim This study aimed to explore pharmacists’ and dentists’ perspectives on pharmacists’ role in recognising medication-related oral health risks in aged-care practice, including pharmacists’ educational needs, interdisciplinary care considerations, and preferred implementation strategies for practical oral health resources. Method A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Australia using semi-structured interviews with pharmacists and dentists who had experience caring for older adults, managing polypharmacy, or working in aged-care-related practice. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling to capture a range of clinical perspectives across pharmacy and dental settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three major themes were identified from thirteen participants (six dentists and seven pharmacists): limited formal preparation for medication-related oral health risks; reactive recognition of oral complications within fragmented care systems; and the need for practical, workflow-integrated resources to support pharmacists’ involvement in oral health care. Participants described limited oral health education, delayed recognition of oral complications, unclear referral pathways, and poor interdisciplinary communication. Xerostomia was the most commonly recognised symptom, although participants demonstrated less consistent recognition of objective salivary gland hypofunction and its consequences, including dental caries, candidiasis, swallowing difficulties, and nutritional decline. Concise educational resources, decision-support tools, and electronic prompts were strongly preferred to support earlier recognition and referral within medication management workflows. Conclusion Pharmacists and dentists described educational, interdisciplinary, and systems-level challenges affecting pharmacists’ involvement in recognising and managing medication-related oral health risks in aged-care practice. Findings suggest that practical educational resources, clearer referral pathways, and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration may support pharmacists’ involvement in recognising medication-related oral health risks among older adults with polypharmacy.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, 2026 · DOI ↗