Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health Care Education for the Pregnant Patient
Presentation Category
Supportive Therapies
Introduction/Context/Diagnosis
This is a clinical case demonstrating preventive dentistry through oral health education and hygiene instruction tailored to a pregnant patient. As the predominant perceived barrier to dental care reported by pregnant patients was deficiency of oral health knowledge, effective communication can facilitate care utilization early-on and improve oral health outcomes.
Methods/Treatment Plan
The PD 240 Pediatric Dentistry Course Manual and articles gathered from the PubMed (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Library databases were utilized to examine current practice guidelines and characteristics of oral health care delivery to the pregnant patient. The preventative treatment plan for a 35 year-old woman in her second trimester of pregnancy included increased frequency of recall and prophylaxis cleanings and verbally delivered oral hygiene instruction.
Results/Outcome
The preventative treatment plan successfully managed the current patient’s oral health with no development of major dental complications or marked progression of oral disease. The outcome of this clinical case was the creation of the UoP educational brochure “Expecting a Baby & Keeping Your Mouth Healthy.”
Significance/Conclusions
This clinical case revealed a need to improve communication strategies that promote oral health to the pregnant patient in an accessible and timely manner. The dental student is an ideal candidate to address dental care utilization barriers for improved oral health outcomes in the pregnant patient.
Format
Event
Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health Care Education for the Pregnant Patient
This is a clinical case demonstrating preventive dentistry through oral health education and hygiene instruction tailored to a pregnant patient. As the predominant perceived barrier to dental care reported by pregnant patients was deficiency of oral health knowledge, effective communication can facilitate care utilization early-on and improve oral health outcomes.
Comments/Acknowledgements
The educational brochure “Expecting a Baby & Keeping Your Mouth Healthy” was created through the collaboration and assistance of UoP faculty and staff: Dr. A. Jeffrey Wood, Melissa Yamanaka, Joan Yokom, Dan Soine, Katherine Falk, and Esther Kwong.