Oral health disparities during pregnancy: Assessing access to dental care, self-perceived status of oral health, and awareness of Denti-Cal Benefits of pregnant women in Humboldt County, California

Background studies suggest that maternal periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Studies also show that early childhood caries, (ECC), is an infectious disease and maternal sources of S. mutans are the primary reservoir for infants and children acquiring ECC. The objective of the survey is to determine access to dental care, self perceived status of oral health, and awareness of Denti-Cal benefits of pregnant women in Humboldt County, a largely rural county in Northern California. A sample of pregnant women at the obstetric units of the three local hospitals was gathered over two months in spring 2007. Results from 88 completed surveys showed that no matter what the insurance status, only about half of all women attempted to access dental care during their pregnancy. Of those women 100% of those with private insurance received care while 59.3% (95% Confidence Interval 40.7%, 77.8%) of those with Medi-Cal received care. Of those with Medi-Cal, 68.5% (56.1%, 80.9%) believed they needed dental care; 35.5% (18.6, 52.3%) of those with private dental insurance felt they needed dental care. Most women with Medi-Cal did not know they could get free dental care during pregnancy under Denti-Cal and for a limited time after pregnancy (79.2% (68.3%, 90.2%)). More research is needed to understand the poor access to dental care for pregnant women. Despite this and other unanswered questions, further oral health education directed towards pregnant women is crucial.