Date of Conferral

8-7-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Melanie Braswell

Abstract

The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to address a critical gap in nursing knowledge regarding oral care and its role in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) through staff education. Although the relationship between oral care and pneumonia is well established, staff knowledge at the site varied, leading to inconsistencies in oral care practices. To address this problem, a targeted educational session using a pre- and post-test design was delivered to nursing staff. The practice-focused question was “Among nursing staff working in community living centers, does the implementation of targeted education on evidence-based oral hygiene guidelines, compared with standard practice without additional education, increase nursing staff knowledge?” The curriculum emphasized the importance of oral care in preventing HAP, outlined evidence-based guidelines for care frequency, introducing approved oral care supplies, and offered practical strategies to strengthen daily practice. To evaluate gains, staff knowledge was measured before and after the session, with data analyzed using a paired t test in Microsoft Excel. Results showed a 24-point increase in knowledge, demonstrating the effectiveness of educational intervention. The implications for nursing practice support making oral care education a standard, ongoing part of continuous staff education. A key recommendation is to establish dedicated oral care teams on each unit. By grounding these efforts in principles of positive social change, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensuring every patient receives consistent, high-quality oral care, the initiative fosters safer and more equitable environments for patients, families, and staff.

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