recently completed the Specialist Certificate in Health Promotion (Oral Health) at NUIG, and chose oral health in the elderly in residential care for my research and final project. The census of 2011 states1 that “the population of people aged 65 and older is increasing”. The census identified “an increase of 14% in this age group since a previous census in 2006”. It is envisaged that “by 2026 people over 65 years will account for 16% of the population. Currently, approximately 6% of the population over 65 years and older are receiving residential care”. As older people are retaining more of their natural teeth for longer, oral hygiene care plays an important role in the residents’ overall health, nutrition, well-being, appearance, communication and quality of life.