Access and Barriers to Oral Health Care in Pregnancy [05C

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite ACOG recommendations regarding oral health and pregnancy, many women do not receive recommended oral health care during pregnancy. This study, conducted in conjunction with ACOG DXII Committee for the Healthcare of Underserved Women, evaluated barriers to access and use of oral health care services in pregnant women. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained. Between May and July 2019, consenting women admitted to the postpartum unit at UF Health were offered a survey about oral health care utilization during pregnancy. Enrollment occurred on a rolling basis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all responses, with chi square analysis compared by insurer. RESULTS: Two hundred women participated. The majority were insured by Medicaid (54% Medicaid, 39% private, 3% government, 2% none, 2% no response). Most women (68%) reported that their insurance covered dental care. 50% of women reported seeing a dentist within the last year. 36% of women with Medicaid saw a dentist within the last year compared to 71% of women with private insurance (P<.001). The most common reasons for not receiving dental care within the last year were cost and only going when acute problems arise. Most women (75%) responded that seeing a dentist during pregnancy was “important.” 20% of women reported that their prenatal care provider made a recommendation regarding dental care. CONCLUSION: Many women are not receiving adequate oral health care during pregnancy and disparities exist among women by payer status. Increasing access to care and improving patient education regarding oral health is necessary to improve oral health care for pregnant women.