UM partners Care Concierge to enhance senior dental health

In a pioneering step towards improving eldercare in Malaysia, Universiti Malaya (UM), through its Faculty of Dentistry, has teamed up with Care Concierge to launch a major research initiative aimed at enhancing oral health for nursing home residents. The collaboration, supported by the Ministry of Education’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), is set to transform how dental health is approached within the country’s senior care landscape.

A strategic alliance

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between UM and Care Concierge outlines a three-year partnership titled “Oral Health of Nursing Home Residents in Klang Valley.” The project marries academic expertise with real-world insights from assisted living environments to address oral health issues often neglected in elderly populations.

“This partnership signifies a major step forward in addressing the unique oral health challenges faced by our aging population,” said Prof. Firdaus Hariri, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Universiti Malaya. “Through this collaboration, we aim to create impactful solutions that empower both caregivers and patients.”

Under the initiative, researchers and care professionals will work together to develop innovative tools, including mobile applications for oral health screening, while also enhancing training modules for caregiving staff. This dual-pronged approach aims to raise both clinical and operational standards in geriatric oral care.

Empowering caregivers

A key component of the project involves training staff at Care Concierge facilities to better understand and manage the oral health needs of elderly residents. From oral health talks and screenings to detailed surveys, the initiative is designed to gather vital data and bridge the gap between early detection and professional treatment.

“Our role as a research collaborator is pivotal,” said Justin Yap, Chief Operating Officer of Care Concierge. “By engaging our residents in the study, our facilities will directly contribute to improving the oral health and well-being of older adults—an area often overlooked in eldercare.”

The research will be implemented across Care Concierge’s assisted living and nursing home facilities, branded as The Mansion, which cater to seniors living with dementia, stroke, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Findings from the study are expected to inform future healthcare policies and improve the integration of oral health into broader eldercare protocols.

Human-centered solutions

The collaboration reflects a shared vision between both institutions to promote innovation grounded in empathy and evidence. With Universiti Malaya’s long-standing reputation in academic research and Care Concierge’s operational expertise, the project is positioned to set new benchmarks in geriatric dental health—both locally and regionally.

“This research will contribute significantly to the future of geriatric care in Malaysia,” added Mr. Yap. “We are proud to partner with Universiti Malaya on such a meaningful initiative.”

Among the anticipated outcomes are scalable models for oral health assessment, a structured referral pathway to dental professionals, and an increased awareness of oral hygiene’s role in overall elder wellness.

Malaysia’s population is aging rapidly, with projections estimating that those aged 60 and above will make up 15% of the population by 2030. This initiative comes at a critical time, reinforcing the importance of holistic and dignified care for older adults—particularly in the often-understudied area of oral health.

With the government’s support through the FRGS, the project serves as a model for public-private-academic partnerships in healthcare innovation. By addressing practical challenges on the ground while anchoring efforts in rigorous research, UM and Care Concierge are working to ensure seniors enjoy not only longer lives but healthier, more dignified ones.