Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Oral Care for Residential Older People Among Healthcare Providers in Macao

Background/Objectives: Oral health is integral to the overall well-being and quality of life of older adults. For institutionalized older residents who depend on staff for daily care, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare providers directly influence oral health outcomes. This study aimed to assess oral care KAP among healthcare providers in Macao’s residential care facilities and to examine the relationships between KAP and personal characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2023 using a structured KAP questionnaire. Data were collected from 225 healthcare providers across four nursing homes in Macao. Results: Significant positive correlations were found among KAP (Spearman’s γ = 0.293–0.419; p < 0.001). Mean scores were 15.60 (SD = 2.27)/19 for knowledge, 52.13 (SD = 5.75)/65 for attitudes, and 45.87 (SD = 5.93)/55 for practices. Denture care was the major knowledge deficit. Knowledge was associated with age 18–20 (p = 0.002), age 31–40 (p = 0.015), and university education (p = 0.003). Attitudes were associated with age 18–20 (p = 0.002), female gender (p = 0.005), and primary education (p = 0.044). Practice was associated with training programme attendance (p = 0.006) and female gender (p = 0.016). All associations involving the age 18–20 subgroup (n = 3) and male gender (n = 16) should be interpreted with caution due to very small sample sizes. Conclusions: Oral care KAP among HAs and PCWs in Macao’s residential care homes are positively but modestly correlated. Most providers acquired knowledge through induction training with verified competency outcomes and personal experience. These findings highlight the need for structured, repeatable training and suggest that Macao’s data can contribute to international efforts to improve oral care in institutionalized aging populations. Future research should employ longitudinal or observational designs and include all elderly care facilities in Macao.