Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

Abstract #147787

Homa Amini, DDS, MPH, MS and Paul S. Casamassimo, DDS, MS. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus, OH 43205, (614)722-5606, Homa.Amini@Nationwidechildrens.org

Routine dental care during pregnancy is an important part of prenatal care. Poor oral health has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low-birth weight; however, access to care remains a significant problem for low income pregnant women. The goal of this project was to develop a Prenatal Dental Education and Treatment program for low-income pregnant women, primarily teens and young adults. Through innovative partnerships with other prenatal care providers and a unique funding mechanism, a dedicated prenatal dental clinic was established at a local Children's Hospital serving low-income population. Major program components included outreach, case-management, health education and promotion, provision of routine and emergency dental care during pregnancy, and establishment of a dental home for the infants after delivery. After three years of operation, the program was evaluated and outcome measures related to oral health status and access to care were assessed.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe steps taken to establish a prenatal dental clinic
• Identify barriers encountered
• Discuss the financing mechanism
• Describe program components and outcomes

Keywords: Access and Services, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.