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Published on: December 31, 2017
Implementing a prenatal oral health program through interprofessional collaboration
Jeffrey T Jackson1, Rocio B Quinonez2, Amanda K Kerns1
1Dr. Jackson is a Pediatric Dental Resident, College of Dentistry, University of Florida; this research was conducted while he was a student at the School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Quinonez is Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Kerns is a Pediatric Dental Resident, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University; Dr. Chuang is Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Eidson is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Dr. Boggess is Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Dr. Weintraub is Alumni Distinguished Professor, Department of Dental Ecology, and Dean, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
A prenatal oral health program (pOHP) successfully educated medical and dental trainees on coordinated care for pregnant women. This interprofessional model improved referrals and clinical experiences, meeting accreditation standards.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Medical Education
- Interprofessional Collaboration
Background:
- Interprofessional collaboration is key for accreditation in dentistry and medicine.
- The prenatal period is a critical, yet often missed, opportunity for oral healthcare.
- New clinical practice guidelines emphasize coordinated care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a prenatal oral health program (pOHP) in an academic setting.
- To integrate medical and dental education for improved patient care.
- To meet accreditation standards and clinical practice guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A systems-based approach guided the pOHP implementation.
- Third-year medical students and fourth-year dental students participated.
- The program involved educational interventions and clinical referrals.
Main Results:
- 96 medical students and 81 dental students participated.
- 126 dental referrals were made, with 55 women seeking care.
- 50% of participating dental students provided clinical care to pregnant patients.
Conclusions:
- The pOHP is an effective interprofessional model for educating providers and facilitating care for pregnant women.
- Such programs address accreditation standards and promote guideline implementation.
- Improving prenatal oral health education enhances care for mothers and children.
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