Ventilator-associated pneumonia.

This article discusses poor oral hygiene as a risk factor for a condition called ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). It references evidence-based research which has shown that oral assessments and oral care play a vital role in reducing the rate of VAP. It also discusses the role of dental hygienists in the prevention of VAP. In addition, this article identifies the type of clinical care that a dental hygienist would do.