Prenatal Oral Health for Black Women

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dental Medicine
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Pregnancy involves hormonal shifts increasing susceptibility to oral diseases like periodontal disease.
• Disparities in prenatal oral health disproportionately affect low-income, uninsured, and minority women.
• Limited knowledge and access significantly contribute to adverse pregnancy and oral health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perspectives of pregnant Black women and healthcare providers on oral health knowledge, practices, insurance, and dental visits.
• To identify factors contributing to high rates of oral disease in underserved pregnant populations.
• To inform improvements in dental care and hygiene for minority pregnant women.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenological study utilizing open-ended Zoom interviews.
• Purposive sampling of 10 participants: 5 pregnant Black women and 5 health/dental providers.
• Recruitment from New Orleans Public Health and national medical/dental networks (2020-2022).

Main Results:

• Key themes identified include the need for improved oral health education.
• Healthcare providers require additional training, including cultural competency, in prenatal oral care.
• Enhanced insurance practices are crucial for accessing dental services.

Conclusions:

• Increased educational awareness for providers and pregnant Black women can mitigate oral diseases.
• Improving insurance coverage is vital for a holistic care approach for this population.
• Addressing systemic barriers is essential for equitable prenatal oral healthcare.