Background: Maryland’s Office of Oral Health was awarded one of HRSA’s MCHB Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Quality Improvement Expansion Grants. The intent of these grants is to reduce dental disease among pregnant women and their infants. Studies show improving maternal oral health may reduce transmission of caries causing bacteria to their children. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to obtain baseline data from low-income pregnant women concerning their knowledge and understanding about caries prevention, barriers to receiving dental care and whether they received dental care during their pregnancy. Methods: We surveyed and interviewed 84 low-income pregnant women at WIC centers in 11 Maryland counties. Results: Participants included 38% Black, 39% white, 14% Latinas and the balance were mixed. Forty-five percent were high school graduates or less; 46% had some college/graduated from college; and 6% had graduate education. Nearly half (46%) of women had not had a dental appointment during their pregnancy. Barriers included: finding a dentist who takes Medicaid; can’t afford co-pays; inconvenient office hours; childcare; transportation; and fear of dentists. While 93% of respondents had heard of fluoride, only 48% recognized it prevents caries. Fifty-eight percent of respondents did not know if their tap water is fluoridated. Conclusions: Maryland Medicaid provides for dental care during pregnancy but less than half the women interviewed had seen a dentist during their pregnancy. Maryland must increase outreach to women to educate them about the dental benefits and about the importance of oral health during pregnancy.