Improving Access to Perinatal Oral Health Care: Strategies & Considerations for Health Plans

Most women do not access dental care during pregnancy, despite evidence that poor oral health can have an adverse impact on the health of a pregnant woman and her child. Health plans, through their interactions with pregnant women, health care providers and community partners, can make substantial contributions to improving access to and utilization of dental care during pregnancy.

The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation and the Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP) are pleased to release an issue brief, Improving Access to Perinatal Oral Health Care: Strategies & Considerations for Health Plans, that highlights the importance of good oral health during pregnancy, reviews oral health practice guidelines and policy statements, and presents opportunities for health plans to address the patient, physician, workforce and financial barriers that are currently limiting utilization of perinatal dental care.

To view this brief in its entirety, please click the above attached PDF.

This paper was produced with support from the Health Resources and Services Admination's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the Public Health Service, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, under grant no. g96mc0446 and grant no. g97mc04455. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.