Table 1 Select oral health guideline behaviors for prenatal and oral health providers
Guideline recommendation | Prenatal providers | Oral health providers |
|---|---|---|
Assess oral health status | • Take an oral health history • Check the mouth for problems • Document oral health findings in the patient chart | • Take an oral health history • Perform a comprehensive oral examination |
Advise about oral health care | • Reassure the patient that oral health care is safe during pregnancy • Encourage the patient to seek oral health care and practice oral hygiene | • Reassure the patient that oral health care is safe during pregnancy • Encourage the patient to seek oral health care and practice oral hygiene |
Improve access to oral health services | • Include questions about oral health on patient intake forms • Include oral health in prenatal education | • Accept pregnant patients with Medicaid/public insurance • Establish partnerships with community programs serving pregnant people |
Work in collaboration with other health professionals | • Establish relationships with oral health professionals and develop a formal referral process • Share information and coordinate care | • Establish relationships with prenatal providers and develop a formal referral process • Consult with prenatal providers as needed on treatment options, co-morbid conditions, etc. |