The aim of the study was to apply the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) for determination of the reliability and validity indexes, when utilized by nursing staff. The OHAT was administered to 50 elderly individuals. The exams were performed in different periods of times by a Nurse and a Dental Surgeon (DS). The determination of internal consistency was verified through Cronbach's Alpha Coeficient and ANOVA. For the determination of stability and reliability, the percentage agreement and Kappa test were considered. There was no statistical difference among the final averages obtained by the DS and the nurse (p=0.41). There was a higher internal consistency in the exams performed by the DS. The Kappa value of the instrument reached 0.46, being considered moderate. The OHAT instrument can be used by nurses as a screening tool; however, previous training is needed for criteria standardization.
Aged; Oral health; Homes for the aged
