Maternal Oral Health

Resource Guide

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH

RESOURCE GUIDE

EDITED BY

MICHELLE CLARK, M.S.W.

KATRINA HOLT, M.P.H., M.S., R.D.

DECEMBER 2006
Cite as

Clark M, Holt K, eds. 2006. Maternal Oral Health Resource Guide. Washington, DC: National Maternal and

Child Oral Health Resource Center.

Maternal Oral Health Resource Guide © 2006 by National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center,

Georgetown University.

The following National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) staff members also assisted

in the development of this publication: Ruth Barzel, Jolene Bertness, Sarah Kolo, Tracy Lopez, and Elizabeth

Lowe.

This publication was made possible by grant number H47MC00048 from the Maternal and Child Health

Bureau (MCHB) (Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors

and do not necessarily represent the official views of MCHB, HRSA, and DHHS.

An electronic copy of this publication is available from the OHRC Web site. Permission is given to photocopy this publication. Requests for permission to use all or part of the information contained in this publication in other ways should be sent to

National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center

Georgetown University

Box 571272

Washington, DC 20057-1272

Telephone: (202) 784-9771

Fax: (202) 784-9777 

E-mail: info@mchoralhealth.org

Web site: http://www.mchoralhealth.org
Introduction v

Acknowledgments vi

Journal Articles 1

Access/Utilization 3

Education and Care 4

Emerging Issues 4

Materials 9

Policy 11

Professional Education 12

Professional Resources 14

Public Education 18

State Profiles 23

Organizations 25

Advocacy Organizations 27

Federal Agencies 27

Policy Centers 28

Professional Associations 29

Resource Centers 31

Voluntary Organizations 31

CONTENTS

I

n 2003, the U.S. Surgeon General called for

increased attention to oral health education and

care during pregnancy as an important strategy for

improving maternal and infant health, and he

highlighted the link between oral health and overall maternal health. Hormonal changes in pregnancy impact a woman’s oral health. Many women

experience inflammation of the gums, known as

pregnancy gingivitis; increased risk of caries and

enamel erosion due to fluctuations in saliva production and nausea; and lesions on the gums,

often called pregnancy tumors. Conversely, oral

health potentially impacts pregnancy outcomes.

Several recent studies have identified periodontal

disease as a possible risk factor for preterm birth

and low birthweight.

The findings of the Obstetrics and Periodontal

Therapy Study published in the New England

Journal of Medicine in November 2006 demonstrate that treatment during pregnancy is safe and

effective in improving the periodontal status of

women. The study did not show a significant difference in birth outcomes among women treated

for periodontal disease during pregnancy vs.

those in a control group who received treatment

postpartum. Although the occurrence of adverse

events before 32 weeks of gestation was not a

pre-specified outcome, it was less common in the

treatment group than in the control group. Therefore, additional research trials are needed with

refined outcome variables to further investigate

the association between periodontal disease and

increased risk for adverse birth outcomes.

Research indicates that tooth decay is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from mother

to child. Providing oral health education and care

to pregnant women will lead not only to improved

maternal oral health but also to improved oral

health among infants and children. Providing pregnant women with anticipatory guidance on oral

development and highlighting the importance of

the first dental visit occurring by age 1 can further

contribute to improved oral health among infants

and children.

The National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center (OHRC) developed this publication, Maternal Oral Health Resource Guide, to assist

health professionals, program administrators, eduMATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

v

INTRODUCTION

cators, researchers, policymakers and others working to improve oral health care for women, infants,

and children. The resource guide is divided into

three sections. The first section lists journal articles

appearing in the literature between 2004 and 2006.

The second section describes materials, including

brochures, fact sheets, guidelines, kits, manuals,

reports, and papers. The third section lists advocacy organizations, federal agencies, policy centers, professional associations, resource centers,

and voluntary organizations that may serve as

resources. Materials cited in the resource guide

have been added to the OHRC library.

Many of the items in the Materials section are

available from the Internet. Others are available

for loan from OHRC or can be requested directly

from the organizations that produced them. Inclusion in the resource guide does not imply

endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services, the Health Resources and

Services Administration, the Maternal and Child
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

vi

We are grateful to the following experts for

their review of the resource guide: Mary Foley,

R.D.H., M.P.H., Children’s Dental Health Project;

Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine; Jayanth Kumar,

D.D.S., M.P.H., New York State Department of

Health; and Beth McKinney, R.D.H., M.S., Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Health

and Human Services. We would also like to thank

those who submitted items for inclusion in the

resource guide.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Health Bureau, Georgetown University, or OHRC.

Although we have tried to present a thorough

overview of materials, we realize that this list is

not complete. For further information, we encourage you to contact the organizations listed in the

third section. Your state and local departments of

public health and university-based libraries are

additional sources of information. OHRC will

update the resource guide periodically, and we

would appreciate hearing from you if you know

of any resources that are not included in this 

edition.
JOURNAL ARTICLES

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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Most of the articles listed in this section appear in

the peer-reviewed literature from January 2004 to

November 2006; a few seminal articles listed were

published earlier.

ACCESS/UTILIZATION

COMMUNITY-BASED, CULTURALLY

APPROPRIATE ORAL HEALTH PROMOTION

PROGRAM FOR IMMIGRANT PREGNANT

WOMEN IN NEW YORK CITY

Cruz GD, Roldos I, Puerta DI, Salazar CR. 2005.

Community-based, culturally appropriate oral

health promotion program for immigrant pregnant

women in New York City. New York State Dental

Journal 71(7):34–38.

Cruz et al. presented information on the design

and implementation of an oral-health-promotion

program to meet the needs of immigrant pregnant

women with low incomes living in New York City.

Baseline surveys showed a lack of current and

appropriate oral health care knowledge among

this group of women who have access to prenatal

care. Only 54 percent of the women reported

receiving information about oral health care during pregnancy. Ninety-three percent of the women

realized the importance of maintaining their oral

health during pregnancy, and 62 percent reported

perceived need for oral health care. Seventy percent of the women reported having dental insurance, but only during their pregnancy.

DENTAL CARE USE AMONG PREGNANT

WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES

REPORTED IN 1999 AND 2002

Timothe P, Eke PI, Presson SM, Malvitz DM. 2005.

Dental care use among pregnant women in the

United States reported in 1999 and 2002. Preventing Chronic Disease 2(1):1–11.

Timothe et al. reviewed national and state-specific estimates of oral-health-service utilization

among adult pregnant women using data from

two 12-month periods. The study also determined

person-level characteristics that may predict failure to utilize oral health services within this subgroup. Pregnant women who utilized oral health

services were more likely to be non-Hispanic

white, married, and with an education level

greater than high school. Income and smoking

status were significant predictors for not utilizing

oral health services.

DENTAL CARE USE AND SELF-REPORTED

DENTAL PROBLEMS IN RELATION TO

PREGNANCY

Lydon-Rochelle MT, Krakowiak P, Hujoel PP,

Peters RM. 2004. Dental care use and self-reported

dental problems in relation to pregnancy. American Journal of Public Health 94(5):765–771.

Lydon-Rochelle et al. examined the association

between selected sociodemographic, pregnancy,

and health-service factors amenable to intervention and the likelihood of utilizing oral health services during pregnancy. Women were assessed

based on self-reported absence or presence of

oral health problems during pregnancy. Overweight, obesity, and smoking were risk factors for

not utilizing oral health services among women

who reported oral health problems during pregnancy. Not receiving oral health counseling during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for not

utilizing oral health services among women who

reported oral health problems during pregnancy

and among those who did not.

FACTORS RELATED TO UTILIZATION OF

DENTAL SERVICES DURING PREGNANCY

Al Habashneh R, Guthmiller JM, Levy S, Johnson

GK, Squier C, Dawson DV, Fang Q. 2005. Factors

related to utilization of dental services during

pregnancy. Journal of Clinical Periodontology

32(7):815–821.

Al Habashneh et al. assessed the extent of

women’s knowledge about the association

between oral health and pregnancy and investigated additional factors related to utilization of

oral health services during pregnancy. Forty-nine

JOURNAL ARTICLES
percent of respondents reported dental visits during pregnancy, and 43 percent reported awareness of the possible association between oral

health and pregnancy outcomes. Personal factors

(being married, greater frequency of visiting the

dentist before pregnancy, and use of inter-proximal cleaning aids), financial factors (dental insurance), and knowledge of the possible connection

between oral health and pregnancy outcomes

were significantly associated with reporting dental visits during pregnancy.

EDUCATION AND CARE

CHANGING DENTISTS’ KNOWLEDGE,

ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR REGARDING

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THROUGH AN

INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA TUTORIAL

Hsieh NK, Herzig K, Gansky SA, Danley D, Gerbert B. 2006. Changing dentists’ knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding domestic violence

through an interactive multimedia tutorial. Journal of the American Dental Association 137(5):

596–603.

Hsieh et al. developed a brief interactive multimedia tutorial with the goal of changing practicing

dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior

regarding domestic violence. A 24-question

domestic-violence-assessment instrument was

completed at two points in time, and a 20-question empathy scale was also administered. Dentists who received the brief interactive multimedia tutorial improved their scores, on average,

significantly more than dentists in the control

group. Empathy scores did not show significant

correlation with change scores on the domesticviolence-assessment instrument.

ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY: 

A REVIEW

Gajendra S, Kumar JV. 2004. Oral health and pregnancy: A review. New York State Dental Journal

70(1):40–44.

This article provides an overview of the oral

health conditions associated with pregnancy,

addresses considerations in providing oral health

care to pregnant women, and describes barriers

in access to oral health care during pregnancy.

PREPARING DENTAL STUDENTS TO

RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND TO DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE: THE IMPACT OF A BRIEF

TUTORIAL

Danley D, Gansky SA, Chow D, Gerbert B. 2004.

Preparing dental students to recognize and

respond to domestic violence: The impact of a

brief tutorial. Journal of the American Dental

Association 135(1):67–73.

Danley et al. evaluated the impact of a brief, interactive multimedia tutorial designed to prepare

dentists to recognize and respond to domestic

violence. After the tutorial, compared with the

control group, both experimental groups demonstrated significantly improved attitudes and

knowledge about the need to ask patients about

domestic violence, validate patients’ worth, document findings, and refer patients.

EMERGING ISSUES

CLINICAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED

WITH INCIDENCE AND PROGRESSION OF

PERIODONTAL CONDITIONS IN PREGNANT

WOMEN

Moss KL, Beck JD, Offenbacher S. 2005. Clinical

risk factors associated with incidence and progression of periodontal conditions in pregnant

women. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 32(5):

492–498.

Moss et al. identified clinical factors that were predictive of the incidence and progression of periodontal conditions in pregnant women. This

research took place as part of a larger study, Oral

Conditions and Pregnancy, conducted at Duke

University Hospital between 1997 and 2001. Participants received periodontal examinations

before 24 to 26 weeks’ gestational age and within

48 to 72 hours of delivery. Several clinical measures were identified, with the most predictive

being the combination of bleeding on probing

and four or more sites with probing depths of 4

or more millimeters at the time of enrollment in

the study.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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MATERNAL PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN

EARLY PREGNANCY AND RISK FOR

SMALL-FOR-GESTATIONAL-AGE INFANT

Boggess KA, Beck JD, Murtha AP, Moss K, Offenbacher S. 2006. Maternal periodontal disease in

early pregnancy and risk for small-for-gestationalage infant. American Journal of Obstetrics and

Gynecology 194(5):1316–1322.

Boggess et al. examined the relationship between

maternal periodontal disease and delivery of a

small-for-gestational age (SGA) infant (birthweight

less than the 10th percentile for gestational age)

and the role of maternal systemic inflammation in

this relationship. Moderate or severe periodontal

disease early in pregnancy was associated with

delivery of an SGA infant, adjusted for age, smoking, drugs, marital and insurance status, and preeclampsia.

MATERNAL PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS

ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK

FOR PREECLAMPSIA

Boggess KA, Lieff S, Murtha AP, Moss K, Beck J,

Offenbacher S. 2003. Maternal periodontal disease

is associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia. Obstetrics and Gynecology 101(2):227–

231.

Boggess et al. examined whether maternal periodontal disease was associated with the development of preeclampsia, a common hypertensive

disorder of pregnancy. Maternal clinical periodontal disease at delivery was associated with

increased risk for the development of preeclampsia, independent of maternal age, race, smoking,

gestational age at delivery, and insurance status.

MERCURY EXPOSURE FROM DENTAL

FILLING PLACEMENT DURING PREGNANCY

AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT RISK

Hujoel PP, Lydon-Rochelle M, Bollen AM, Woods

JS, Geurtsen W, del Aguila MA. 2005. Mercury

exposure from dental filling placement during

pregnancy and low birth weight risk. American

Journal of Epidemiology 161(8):734–740.

Hujoel et al. examined the potential associations

between mercury-containing dental fillings placed

during pregnancy and risk of delivering a lowbirthweight infant. The placement of mercurycontaining dental fillings during pregnancy did

not result in an increased risk of delivering a lowbirthweight infant.

THE ORAL CONDITIONS AND PREGNANCY

STUDY: PERIODONTAL STATUS OF A

COHORT OF PREGNANT WOMEN

Lieff S, Boggess KA, Murtha AP, Jared H, Madianos PN, Moss K, Beck J, Offenbacher S. 2004.

The oral conditions and pregnancy study: Periodontal status of a cohort of pregnant women.

Journal of Periodontology 75(1):116–126.

Lieff et al. examined oral health changes during

pregnancy and factors associated with maternal

periodontal health or disease. Race, smoking, and

insurance status were significantly associated with

maternal periodontal disease. African-American

women were more likely than white women to

have periodontal disease at enrollment in the

study, during the study, and at delivery.

ORAL HEALTH IN WOMEN DURING

PRECONCEPTION AND PREGNANCY:

IMPLICATIONS FOR BIRTH OUTCOMES

AND INFANT ORAL HEALTH

Boggess KA, Edelstein BL. 2006. Oral health in

women during preconception and pregnancy:

Implications for birth outcomes and infant oral

health. Maternal and Child Health Journal

10(Suppl. 7):S169–S174.

This literature review addresses the potential

influence of a woman’s preconception and pregnancy experience with periodontal disease and

dental caries on her overall health and her child’s

oral health. The authors summarize research findings on oral health and preterm birth and other

adverse pregnancy outcomes, children’s experience with tooth decay, preconception preventive

oral health care, and access to oral health care

during pregnancy.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND ADVERSE

PREGNANCY OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC

REVIEW

Xiong X, Buekens P, Fraser WD, Beck J, Offenbacher S. 2006. Periodontal disease and adverse

pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review. BJOG:

An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 113(2):135–143.

Xiong et al. conducted a systematic review of 25

studies that examined periodontal disease and its

association with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The studies included 13 case-control and 9 cohort

studies and 3 controlled trials. An association

between periodontal disease and an increased risk

for poor birth outcomes, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations, was suggested in 18 studies. However, the heterogeneity

of study design and data analysis calls for more

methodologically rigorous research before a true

relationship between periodontal disease and

adverse pregnancy outcomes can be confirmed.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND PRETERM

BIRTH: RESULTS OF A PILOT

INTERVENTION STUDY

Jeffcoat MK, Hauth JC, Geurs NC, Reddy MS, Cliver

SP, Hodgkins PM, Goldenberg RL. 2003. Periodontal disease and preterm birth: Results of a pilot intervention study. Journal of Periodontology 74(8):

1214–1218.

Jeffcoat et al. assessed the feasibility of an intervention trial during pregnancy to determine

whether an association exists between treatment

of periodontitis and birth outcomes. The trial

demonstrated that performing scaling and root

planing in pregnant women with periodontitis

may reduce preterm birth in this population,

whereas adjunctive metronidazole therapy did not

reduce preterm birth.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND UPPER

GENITAL TRACT INFLAMMATION IN EARLY

SPONTANEOUS PRETERM BIRTH

Goepfert AR, Jeffcoat MK, Andrews WW, FayePetersen O, Cliver SP, Goldenberg RL, Hauth JC.

2004. Periodontal disease and upper genital tract

inflammation in early spontaneous preterm birth.

Obstetrics and Gynecology 104(4):777–783.

Goepfert et al. examined the relationship between

maternal periodontal disease and both early spontaneous preterm birth and selected markers of

upper-genital-tract inflammation. Women with

early spontaneous preterm birth were more likely

to have severe periodontal disease than women

with anticipated preterm birth or term birth. Periodontal disease was not associated with selected

markers of upper-genital-tract inflammation.

PERIODONTAL INFECTION AND PRETERM

BIRTH: RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE

STUDY

Jeffcoat MK, Geurs NC, Reddy MS, Cliver SP,

Goldenberg RL, Hauth JC. 2001. Periodontal infection and preterm birth: Results of a prospective

study. Journal of the American Dental Association

132(7):875–880.

Jeffcoat et al. conducted a prospective study to

correlate the presence of periodontal infection

and preterm birth. The data showed an increased

risk for preterm birth among pregnant women

with periodontitis at 21 to 24 weeks’ gestation.

The odds of increased prematurity were 4.5-fold

to 7.0-fold.

PERIODONTITIS AND GESTATIONAL

DIABETES MELLITUS: EXPLORING THE

LINK IN NHANES III

Novak KF, Taylor GW, Dawson DR, Ferguson JE,

Novak MJ. 2006. Periodontitis and gestational diabetes mellitus: Exploring the link in NHANES III.

Journal of Public Health Dentistry 66(3):163–168.

Novak et al. analyzed data collected in the Third

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

(NHANES III) and compared the prevalence of

periodontal disease in pregnant women with a

history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) vs.

women without GDM. Women with a history of

GDM are more likely to have more severe periodontal disease than women with a history of

pregnancies without GDM.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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PROGRESSIVE PERIODONTAL DISEASE

AND RISK OF VERY PRETERM DELIVERY

Offenbacher S, Boggess KA, Murtha AP, Jared HL,

Lieff S, McKaig RG, Mauriello SM, Moss KL, Beck

JD. 2006. Progressive periodontal disease and risk

of very preterm delivery. Obstetrics and Gynecology 107(1):29–36. Erratum in Obstetrics and Gynecology 107(5):1171.

Offenbacher et al. explored the role of periodontal conditions present before birth, periodontal

disease onset, and periodontal disease progression during pregnancy on preterm birth risk.

Maternal periodontal disease, identified either

early in pregnancy or progressing during pregnancy, was a risk factor for preterm and very

preterm birth, respectively, independent of other

risk factors.

TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

AND THE RISK OF PRETERM BIRTH

Michalowicz BS, Hodges JS, DiAngelis AJ, Lupo

VR, Novak MJ, Ferguson JE, Buchanan W, Bofill J,

Papapanou PN, Mitchell DA, Matseoane S, Tschida

PA. 2006. Treatment of periodontal disease and

the risk of preterm birth. New England Journal of

Medicine 355(18):1885–1894.

Michalowicz et al. found no significant difference

in birth outcomes among women treated for periodontal disease during pregnancy vs. those in the

control group who received treatment postpartum. The study consisted of 823 pregnant women

randomly assigned to either a treatment or a control group. Those in the treatment group received

scaling and root planing and oral hygiene instruction before 21 weeks of gestation, as well as

monthly tooth polishing and ongoing scaling and

planing as needed until delivery. Control group

participants were offered the same treatment after

delivery. This study is one of the first to demonstrate that treatment during pregnancy is safe and

effective in improving the periodontal status of

women.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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MATERIALS

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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POLICY

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF

PERIODONTOLOGY STATEMENT

REGARDING PERIODONTAL MANAGEMENT

OF THE PREGNANT PATIENT

American Academy of Periodontology, Task Force

on Periodontal Treatment of Pregnant Women.

2004. American Academy of Periodontology statement regarding periodontal management of the

pregnant patient. Journal of Periodontology 75(3):

495.

This statement presents recommendations for

periodontal examinations of women who are

pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The

statement includes information on research findings, preventive oral health care and services, and

diagnosis and treatment considerations for pregnant women.

Contact: American Academy of Periodontology,

737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 800, Chicago,

IL 60611-2690. Telephone: (312) 787-5518; fax:

(312) 787-3670; Web site: http://www.perio.org.

Available at no charge from the Web site at

http://www.perio.org/resources-products/pdf/44

-pregnancy.pdf.

ENHANCING DENTAL MEDICAID

OUTREACH AND CARE COORDINATION

Crall J, Schneider D, with American Dental Association, eds. 2004. Enhancing Dental Medicaid

Outreach and Care Coordination. Chicago, IL:

American Dental Association. 9 pp.

This brief discusses ways to increase awareness

of the importance of oral health and to improve

care coordination for Medicaid participants, thereby decreasing the rate of no-show appointments

and increasing compliance with oral health

instructions. The brief focuses on innovative

strategies and approaches that some states are

using. Topics include consumer outreach, locating Medicaid oral health professionals, obtaining

oral health screenings and referrals, case management and support services, reducing the number

of missed appointments, and coordinating oral

health care for young children and pregnant

women. Brief case studies of several state programs are presented. Much of the information in

the report is presented in tabular form.

Contact: American Dental Association, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. Telephone: (312) 440-2500; fax: (312) 440-7494; e-mail:

info@ada.org; Web site: http://www.ada.org.

Available at no charge from the Web site at http://

www.ada.org/prof/advocacy/issues/medicaid_out

reach.pdf.

IMPROVING WOMEN’S HEALTH AND

PERINATAL OUTCOMES: THE IMPACT OF

ORAL DISEASES

Allston A. 2002. Improving Women’s Health and

Perinatal Outcomes: The Impact of Oral Diseases.

Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School

of Public Health, Women’s and Children’s Health

Policy Center. 12 pp.

This brief discusses the impact of oral diseases on

women’s health and on perinatal outcomes. It is

divided into the following sections: (1) oral health

status of women in the United States, (2) determination of women’s oral health status, (3) periodontal diseases and general health status, (4) maternal

oral health status and perinatal outcomes, 

(5) addressing women’s oral health needs, and 

(6) implications of current research for improving

women’s oral and general health status. [Funded

by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: Women’s and Children’s Health Policy

Center, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg

School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street,

Baltimore, MD 21205. Telephone: (410) 502-5450;

fax: (410) 502-5831; e-mail: lzerbe@jhsph.edu;

Web site: http://www.jhsph.edu/wchpc. Available

at no charge from the Web site at http://www.

jhsph.edu/wchpc/publications/oralbrief.pdf.

MATERIALS
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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PUBLIC AND PRIVATE-SECTOR EFFORTS TO

IMPROVE THE ORAL HEALTH OF PREGNANT

WOMEN: POLICIES, PROGRAMS, AND

PRACTICES

Edelstein B, VanLandeghem K. 2006. Public and

Private-Sector Efforts to Improve the Oral Health

of Pregnant Women: Policies, Programs, and

Practices.

This paper describes a sampling of policies, programs, and practices in the public and private sectors that typify how some agencies have built upon

the putative relationship between periodontal disease during pregnancy and unfavorable birth outcomes. This review provides information on how

academics, insurers, state governments, policy

organizations, professional societies, practitioners

and others have featured this oral-systemic connection in their efforts to address the oral health of

pregnant women. The Roger’s conceptual model

of innovation diffusion is employed to help explain

these efforts. This paper was commissioned for the

“Research to Policy and Practice: Periodontal Health

and Birth Outcomes” forum held on December

11–12, 2006, in Washington, DC.

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Available at no charge from the Web

site at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/PDFs/perio1.

pdf.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

AVDR TUTORIAL FOR DENTISTS: ASK,

VALIDATE, DOCUMENT, AND REFER—

INTERVENTION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

University of California San Francisco, Center for

Health Improvement and Prevention Studies.

2005. AVDR Tutorial for Dentists: Ask, Validate,

Document, and Refer—Intervention for Domestic

Violence. San Francisco, CA: University of California San Francisco, Center for Health Improvement

and Prevention Studies. 1 DVD.

This DVD provides a multimedia learning experience to help dentists and dental students recognize and respond to domestic violence. Contents

include a case study demonstrating how to conduct the Ask, Validate, Document, and Refer

(AVDR) intervention, which is a four-step intervention that oral health professionals can use as

part of a response to domestic violence. The folder

for dental schools includes an instructional plan,

which explains how to use the other documents

included on the DVD. The folder for dentists contains a two-page downloadable document titled

“Training Your Staff,” which explains how to use

the tutorial in a small group, practice the AVDR

steps, and assign follow-up tasks such as creating

or updating a list of local resources.

Contact: University of California San Francisco,

Center for Health Improvement and Prevention

Studies, School of Dentistry, 350 Parnassus Avenue,

Suite 905, San Francisco, CA 94117. Telephone:

(415) 502-7283; fax: (415) 502-7314; e-mail: chips@

ucsf.edu; Web site: http://www.ucsf.edu/chips.

Single copies available at no charge.

DENTAL REFERRAL BY MEDICAL

PROFESSIONALS: MEDICAID PROGRAM

FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2003. Dental Referral by Medical Professionals: Medicaid Program for Pregnant Women.

New Orleans, LA: Louisiana Department of Health

and Hospitals. 3 items.

This information package contains two sets of

materials distributed to members of the American

College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in

Louisiana to encourage their participation in the

implementation and evaluation of a new Medicaid oral health program for pregnant women. The

first set of materials includes (1) a letter that discusses recent changes to oral health service coverage for pregnant women eligible for Medicaid

and the health professional’s role in the success

and continuation of the program, (2) a referral

form for pregnancy-related oral health services,

and (3) a 4- x 6-inch laminated card with clinical

signs of periodontal disease printed on one side

and instructions for making oral health care referrals on the other. The second set of materials

includes a letter, a survey, and a modified referral

form used in analyzing the program’s effectiveness. Similar materials were distributed to nurses

and dentists who participate in Louisiana’s Medicaid program, and to public health clinics.
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Single photocopy available at no

charge.

DENTISTRY AND THE PREGNANT 

PATIENT

Colorado Community Health Network. 2006. Dentistry and the Pregnant Patient. Denver, CO: Colorado Community Health Network. 9 pp.

This booklet for oral health professionals in Colorado provides guidance in managing oral health

care for pregnant women. Topics include physiologic changes in pregnancy, fetal development

milestones for each trimester, key principles to

observe, common oral health conditions that may

arise during pregnancy, oral health considerations

to observe in treating these conditions, and a

guide to medication use in pregnancy.

Contact: Colorado Community Health Network,

600 Grant Street, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80203.

Telephone: (303) 861-5165; fax: (303) 861-5315;

Web site: http://www.cchn.org. Available at no

charge from the Web site at http://www.cchn.

org/activities/Pregnant_Patient.pdf.

ORAL HEALTH AND HEALTH IN WOMEN: 

A TWO-WAY RELATIONSHIP

Bertness J, Holt K. 2004. Oral Health and Health

in Women: A Two-Way Relationship. Washington,

DC: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center. 2 pp.

This fact sheet provides general information and

national data on women’s oral health. Topics

include women’s oral health status, the relationship between oral health and general health in

women, oral health care, and strategies for

improving women’s oral health. A list of references and resources is also provided. [Funded by

the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: HRSA Information Center, P.O. Box

2910, Merrifield, VA 22116. Telephone: (888) ASKHRSA (275-4772); (877) 489-4772; fax: (703) 821-

2098; e-mail: ask@hrsa.gov; Web site: http://www.

ask.hrsa.gov. Document code: MCH00123. Available at no charge; also available at no charge from

the Web site at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/

PDFs/WomensFactSheet.pdf.

ORAL HEALTH CARE DURING PREGNANCY

AND EARLY CHILDHOOD: PRACTICE

GUIDELINES

Kumar J, Samelson R, eds. 2006. Oral Health Care

During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Practice

Guidelines. Albany, NY: New York State Department of Health. 72 pp.

These practice guidelines are intended for use by

prenatal, oral health, and child health professionals in bringing about changes in the health care

delivery system and improving the overall standard of care for pregnant women and young children. Content includes general information about

oral health and pregnancy and oral health and

early childhood, along with background information and specific recommendations for prenatal,

oral health, and child health professionals. An

executive summary, instructions for using the

guide, and references are also provided. [Funded

by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: New York State Department of Health,

Bureau of Dental Health, Empire State Plaza,

Tower Room 542, Albany, NY 12237-0619. Telephone: (518) 474-1961; fax: (518) 474-8985; e-mail:

oralhealth@health.state.ny.us; Web site: http://

www.nyhealth.gov/prevention/dental. Available at

no charge from the Web site at http://www.health.

state.ny.us/publications/0824.pdf.

ORAL HEALTH RISKS DURING THE

PRENATAL PERIOD

Thornton M. 2004. Oral Health Risks During the

Prenatal Period. Denver, CO: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Oral

Health Program. 5 pp.

These printed slides are from a presentation about

oral health and pregnancy to help integrate an

oral health component into Colorado’s Nurse

Family Partnership Program. Topics include frequently asked questions, warning signs of periodontal disease, tips for pregnant women, and

barriers to accessing oral health care. An evaluation summary sheet is also included. [Funded in

part by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

14

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Single photocopy available at no charge.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND PREGNANCY

OUTCOMES: STATE OF THE SCIENCE

Xiong X, Vastardis S, Buekens P. 2006. Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: State of the

Science.

This paper synthesizes the current evidence on

the relationship between periodontal disease and

adverse pregnancy outcomes. Forty-four studies

(26 case-control, 13 cohort, and 5 controlled trials) were included in this review, which builds

and expands upon the findings of a previously

published systematic review article (Xiong et al.

2006. Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy

outcomes: A systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

113(2):135–143). This paper was commissioned

for the “Research to Policy and Practice: Periodontal Health and Birth Outcomes” forum held 

on December 11–12, 2006, in Washington, DC. 

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail:

info@mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.

mchoralhealth.org. Available at no charge from

the Web site at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/

PDFs/perio2.pdf.

PREGNANCY AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE

McGuire B. 2004. Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease. Carson City, NV: Nevada State Health Division. 1 v.

This information package for health professionals

discusses periodontal disease in pregnant women

and its connection to negative pregnancy outcomes. Section topics include oral infections and

health, oral infections and pregnancy, premature

and low-birthweight infants, periodontal disease,

the tooth and the periodontium, 10 warning signs

of periodontal disease, facts on periodontal disease, and women and periodontal disease. A directory of related links and references is provided.

Contact: Christine Wood. Nevada State Health

Division, Oral Health Initiative, 3427 Goni Road,

Suite 108, Carson City, NV 89706. Telephone:

(775) 684-4285; e-mail: pcwood@nvhd.state.nv.us;

Web site: http://health2k.state.nv.us/oral. Available

at no charge from the Web site at http://health2k.

state.nv.us/oral/SpecialFolder/index.html.

PREGNANCY CRAVINGS CAN HARM YOUR

ORAL HEALTH

Academy of General Dentistry. 2006. Pregnancy

Cravings Can Harm Your Oral Health. Chicago,

IL: Academy of General Dentistry. 1 p.

This fact sheet for health professionals discusses

cravings during pregnancy, including pica, an eating disorder characterized by the desire to eat

non-nutritious substances that is often accompanied by bulimia. The fact sheet describes symptoms for health professionals to look for if they

suspect pica, as well as substances that those with

pica crave.

Contact: Academy of General Dentistry, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611-

1999. Telephone: (888) 243-3368; fax: (312) 440-

0559; Web site: http://www.agd.org. Available at

no charge from the Web site at http://www.agd.

org/media/2006/june/cravings.asp.

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES

BRIGHT FUTURES IN PRACTICE: ORAL

HEALTH—POCKET GUIDE

Casamassimo P, Holt K, eds. 2004. Bright Futures

in Practice: Oral Health—Pocket Guide. Washington, DC: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center. 89 pp.

This guide is designed to help health professionals implement specific oral health supervision

guidelines during pregnancy and the postpartum

period, infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. It addresses risk assessment for dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion, and injury. Appendices include a

tooth-eruption chart, a caries-risk-assessment tool,

and recommended dosages for systemic fluoride

supplements. The guide concludes with a glossary and resources. [Funded by the Maternal and

Child Health Bureau]
Contact: Bright Futures Distribution Center, c/o

RMS Direct, Department B, 4510 Buckeystown

Pike, Unit M, Frederick, MD 21704-3539. Telephone: (301) 279-8890; fax: (301) 838-0648; Web

site: http://www.rmsdirectinc.com. 1–19 copies,

$10.00 each; 20–49 copies, $7.50 each; 50+ copies,

$5.00 each; plus 7% shipping and handling; also

available at no charge from the Web site at http://

www.mchoralhealth.org/PDFs/BFOHPocketGuide.

pdf.

CAVITY FREE KIDS: AN EARLY START—

ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION FOR PREGNANT

WOMEN, INFANTS, AND TODDLERS 

(REV. ED.)

Huntley B, Hagen J. 2004. Cavity Free Kids: An

Early Start—Oral Health Education for Pregnant

Women, Infants, and Toddlers (rev. ed.). Seattle,

WA: Washington Dental Service Foundation. 117

pp., 1 CD-ROM.

This curriculum includes information and activity

suggestions for preschool teachers, family health

advocates, oral health professionals, and nutrition

coordinators to use in formulating sessions on the

importance of oral health and proper oral health

care for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers.

Sections include (1) getting started (2) essential

information for parents, (3) references for teachers

and parent educators, (4) the tooth kit, (5) training

guide, (6) a training agenda, (7) oral health training, (8) training aids, and (9) resources. The

resources section provides sources for supplies,

printed or downloaded materials sources, song

lyrics, a book list, and references. Handouts and

other reproducible materials are included throughout. The curriculum is extensively illustrated, and

some materials are offered in Spanish. A CD-ROM

of the curriculum is provided, along with presentation materials and downloadable materials formatted as PDF files.

Contact: Washington Dental Service Foundation,

P.O. Box 75688, 9706 Fourth Avenue, N.E., Seattle, WA 98115-2157. Telephone: (206) 522-1300;

(800) 367-4104; e-mail: info@deltadentalwa.com;

Web site: http://www.deltadentalwa.com. Available in conjunction with train-the-trainer sessions

only; host organization to assume printing costs.

HEALTHY SMILES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Iowa Healthy Smiles. 2005. Healthy Smiles for

Young Children. Des Moines, IA: Iowa Department of Public Health, Oral Health Bureau. 100

pp., 8 items.

This kit for parent educators, including home visitors from Head Start and other programs, comprises a series of learning modules about pregnancy

and oral health, and about early childhood and oral

health, to provide education to pregnant women

and parents. Topics covered include (1) effects of

the mother’s oral health on the fetus and newborn,

(2) effects of pregnancy on oral health, (3) oral

health care during pregnancy, (4) gingivitis and

periodontitis, (5) oral hygiene habits, (6) action

steps to a healthier mouth, and (7) nutrition. Also

included in the kit are a variety of booklets and

brochures about oral health during pregnancy and

oral health for infants and children, a tip sheet for

Early Head Start staff about working with health

professionals to improve access to oral health care,

and a flip chart with color photographs about oral

health during pregnancy and childhood.

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Available for loan. 

HELP ME SMILE: ORAL HEALTH RISK

ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS, TRAINING

MODULES, AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

FOR USE WITH FAMILIES OF YOUNG

CHILDREN

Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Oral

Health Services. 2006. Help Me Smile: Oral Health

Risk Assessment Protocols, Training Modules, and

Educational Materials for Use with Families of

Young Children. Columbus, OH: Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Oral Health Services. 

1 v.

This collection of materials provides oral health

professionals with protocols, modules, and educational materials to promote good oral health for

pregnant women and families with young children. The collection is divided into the following

sections: prenatal and mother, infancy (0–11

months), toddler (12–35 months), and early childMATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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hood (3–5 years). Topics include fluoride in the

water; teeth cleaning; nutrition; the dental home;

bad breath, bleeding gums, and toothache; and

“lift the lip” protocols for infants and young children. Also included are handouts, a laminated

and illustrated flip chart, an instruction sheet, a

checklist, and instructions for obtaining a fluoride

analysis of a water sample. [Funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mch

oralhealth.org. Available from the Web site at no

charge at http://www.mchoralhealth.org/materials/

multiples/helpmesmile; also available for loan.

IMPROVING WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S

ORAL HEALTH / MEJORANDO LA SALUD

ORAL DE MUJERES Y NIÑOS

Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of

Oral Health. 2005. Improving Women’s and Children’s Oral Health / Mejorando la Salud Oral de

Mujeres y Niños. Springfield, IL: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Oral Health. 

32 pp.

This illustrated flipchart provides information for

new mothers and other women on the importance of good oral health during pregnancy and

of preventing early childhood caries (ECC). Sections summarize issues related to tooth decay,

periodontal disease, pregnancy and oral health,

brushing, flossing, ECC, fluoride, dental sealants,

and visiting the dentist, and provide tips for cleaning infants’ and toddlers’ teeth. A summary of

important points is also provided. The information is presented in English and Spanish. [Funded

by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mch

oralhealth.org. Available for loan; content also

available at no charge from the Web site at http://

www.idph.state.il.us/HealthWellness/oralhlth/

Improving%20Oral%20Health.pdf.

ORAL HEALTH INFORMATION FOR THE

EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION COMMUNITY

Kansas Head Start Association with Kansas

Department of Health and Environment, Kansas

Dental Hygienists Association, and Kansas Association for Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. 2001. Oral Health Information for the Early

Care and Education Community. Topeka, KS:

Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

16 pp.

This manual for trainers and educators provides

basic information about oral health in pregnant

women, infants, and young children. The manual

is divided into sections according to age group

(prenatal, birth to 6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24

months, and 3–5 years). Each section explains the

theory and rationale behind good oral health

practice and then outlines that practice in a series

of bullet points suitable for use in presentations

or handouts. Following each section is a list of

Web sites and other resources that provide additional information. The manual also includes

reproducible sheets that can be used as transparencies or handouts to illustrate key points.

Contact: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Curtis State Office Building, 1000 South

West Jackson Street, Topeka, KS 66612. Telephone: (785) 296-1500; (785) 296-1538; fax: (785)

368-6368; e-mail: info@kdhe.state.ks.us; Web site:

http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us. Available at no charge

from the Web site at http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/

ohi/download/early_care_and_edu.pdf.

PREGNANCY AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH

De la Cruz G. 2004. Pregnancy and Your Oral

Health. Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD: Army

Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine.

This PowerPoint presentation is part of the Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training Program of

the U.S. Army to establish a safe, standardized

program that can be used to educate pregnant

soldiers on the topic of pregnancy and oral

health. Topics include when to see a dentist, safe

oral health treatment, fetal growth and development, childhood enamel hypoplasia, changes during pregnancy that affect oral health, plaque and

tooth decay, diet and dental caries, pregnancy

gingivitis and granuloma, possible treatments, oral
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

17

diseases that can affect pregnancy, and prevention through proper oral hygiene and nutrition.

Slides with test questions and photographs are

included throughout the presentation.

Contact: U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion

and Preventive Medicine, 5158 Blackhawk Road,

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403. Telephone: (800) 222-9698; Web site: http://chppm

-www.apgea.army.mil. Available at no charge from

the Web site at http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/

dhpw/Readiness/PregnancyAndYourOralHealth.

ppt.

PRENATAL ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION

PROJECT: A RESOURCE MANUAL

New Hampshire Area Health Education Center.

2005. Prenatal Oral Health Education Project: 

A Resource Manual. Concord, NH: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services,

Division of Public Health Services. 58 pp.

This resource manual from New Hampshire’s Prenatal Oral Health Education Project includes a

PowerPoint presentation on prenatal oral health;

articles on periodontal disease during pregnancy;

an article on nutrition and oral health for pregnant

women, infants, and children; and the American

Academy of Periodontology’s statement on periodontal management of pregnant women.

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Available for loan.

PRENATAL PROVIDER PACKET “GOOD

HEALTH STARTS WITH A SMART MOUTH”

Oral Health Awareness Colorado! 2004. Prenatal

Provider Packet “Good Health Starts with a Smart

Mouth.” Denver, CO: Oral Health Awareness Colorado! 7 items.

This information package, which is intended for

use by health professionals who provide prenatal

care to women in Colorado, discusses the importance of oral health for pregnant women and contains key messages to impart to women about

ensuring their own oral health. The package contains a cover letter, health professional reference

guides, a client brochure, a policy brief, an evaluation form, and a materials order form. [Funded

in part by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau]

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Single photocopy available at no charge.

THE SMILE GUIDE: DENTAL HEALTH AND

PREGNANCY

Class on Demand. 2002. The Smile Guide: Dental

Health and Pregnancy. Evanston, IL: United Learning. 3 items; 1 facilitator’s guide, 1 set of master

handouts, 1 videotape (VHS, 13 min.).

This kit for health professionals contains a videotape, a facilitator’s guide, and master handouts for

use in educating pregnant women and new

mothers about oral health during pregnancy and

infancy. Advice on eating a variety of foods for

good health, on developing good oral health

habits, and on finding a dentist are presented. The

cariogenic process is described, with an emphasis on sugar as a key component. Basic toothbrushing and flossing skills are demonstrated, and

graphics and illustrations are included. A section

on newborn oral health care offers information on

preventing early childhood caries. A pre-test and

post-test, recipes, and fact sheets are also included.

Contact: Jason Altschul. Discovery Education, 1560

Sherman Avenue, Suite 100, Evanston, IL 60201.

Telephone: (800) 323-9084; (800) 421-2363, ext.

7201; fax: (847) 328-6706; e-mail: info@united

learning.com; Web site: http://school.discovery.

com. $89.00, plus shipping and handling (videotape); facilitator’s guide and handout masters

available at no charge from the Web site at

http://www.unitedstreaming.com/videos/11176/

11176_TG.pdf (facilitator’s guide) and http://www.

unitedstreaming.com/videos/11176/11176_BM.pdf

(handout masters). Bulk discounts are available.
SOUNDBITES: NUTRITION AND ORAL

HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR PREGNANT

WOMEN, INFANTS, AND YOUNG CHLDREN.

VIDEO AND VIDEO GUIDEBOOK

Owens A, Palmer C. 2002. Soundbites: Nutrition

and Oral Health Guidelines for Pregnant Women,

Infants, and Young Children. Video and Video

Guidebook. Boston, MA: Tufts University School

of Dental Medicine, Frances Stern Nutrition Center. 29 pp., 1 videotape (VHS 1/2 inch, 15 minutes).

This videotape and guidebook are designed for

health professionals to use to help promote good

nutrition and oral health for pregnant women,

infants, children, and infants’ and children’s caregivers. The videotape discusses common oral

health topics such as care of the mouth, nutrition

to promote good oral health, and how to prevent

common childhood oral health problems. The

guidebook includes the following sections: pregnancy, birth to 6 months, 6 months to 1 year, 1

year to 2 years, 2 years to 3 years, and children

with special health care needs. Additional sections

include a review of the Soundbites program goals

and suggestions for learning; a discussion of the

importance of nutrition and oral health care during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood; a

videotape; and an evaluation form.

Contact: Carole Palmer. Tufts-New England Medical Center, Francis Stern Nutrition Center, 750

Washington Street, Box #783, Boston, MA 02111.

Telephone: (617) 636-6808; fax: (617) 636-6834;

e-mail: carole.palmer@tufts.edu; Web site: http://

www.nemc.org/fsnc. $40.00 plus shipping and

handling.

TEETH FOR TWO: PREGNANCY AND

PRENATAL ORAL HEALTH

Kansas Head Start Association. 2005. Teeth for

Two: Pregnancy and Prenatal Oral Health. Shawnee, KS: Kansas Head Start Association. 80 pp., 

5 items.

This kit for parent educators, including home visitors from Early Head Start and other programs,

includes a series of learning modules about pregnancy and oral health to provide education to

pregnant women. Topics covered include (1) effects of the mother’s oral health on the fetus and

the newborn, (2) effects of pregnancy on oral

health, (3) oral health care during pregnancy, 

(4) gingivitis and periodontitis, (5) oral hygiene

habits, (6) action steps to a healthier mouth, and

(7) nutrition. Also included in the kit are a variety

of booklets and brochures about oral health during pregnancy.

Contact: Marcia Manter. Kansas Head Start Association, 22521 West 53rd Terrace, Shawnee, KS

66226. Telephone: (913) 422-1700; fax: (913) 422-

5002; e-mail: mmanter@oralhealthkansas.org; Web

site: http://www.ksheadstart.org/current.html. Contact for cost information.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

BABY YOUR ORAL HEALTH: WHAT YOU

NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ORAL HEALTH

AND PREGNANCY

National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. 2005. Baby Your Oral Health: What You Need

to Know About Oral Health and Pregnancy.

Alexandria, VA: National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. 6 pp.

This brochure discusses the importance of good

oral health during pregnancy. Topics include the

effects of poor oral health and periodontal disease

on the risk for premature birth or low-birthweight

infants, visiting the dentist while pregnant, risks

associated with having dental work performed

during pregnancy, and oral health tips. Internet

resources are provided, along with brief facts

about periodontal disease during pregnancy and

risks to the fetus.

Contact: National Healthy Mothers, Healthy

Babies Coalition, 2001 North Beauregard Street,

12th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311-1732. Telephone:

(703) 836-6110; fax: (703) 836-3470; e-mail: info@

hmhb.org; Web site: http://www.hmhb.org. Available at no charge from the Web site at http://

www.hmhb.org/oralhealth_april03.pdf.

BRUSH FOR TWO . . . FOR BABY AND YOU

National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. 2006. Brush for Two . . . for Baby and You.

Alexandria, VA: National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. 2 pp.

This brochure describes the importance of proper

oral health during pregnancy, the risks that gum

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

18
disease can pose to both a pregnant woman and

her developing infant, and how gum disease may

contribute to premature delivery or low birthweight. The brochure provides advice on nutrition, oral hygiene, vaccination, use of multivitamins, avoiding smoking and alcohol use, exercise,

and the use of seatbelts. Also discussed are the

importance of seeing an oral health professional

before and during pregnancy and how pregnancy

can affect the teeth and gums.

Contact: National Healthy Mothers, Healthy

Babies Coalition, 2001 North Beauregard Street,

12th Floor, Alexandria, VA 22311-1732. Telephone:

(703) 836-6110; fax: (703) 836-3470; e-mail: info@

hmhb.org; Web site: http://www.hmhb.org. Available at no charge from the Web site at http://

www.hmhb.org/pdf/brush-for-two_brochure.pdf.

DENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY

Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Nutrition

Services. 2003. Dental Health During Pregnancy.

Austin, TX: Texas Department of Health, Bureau

of Nutrition Services. 9 pp.

This lesson plan provides information about oral

health problems that women may experience during pregnancy and the consequences of these

problems, foods that contribute to tooth formation in developing infants, and what pregnant

women can do to prevent oral health problems.

The lesson plan provides teaching tips for the

instructor, handouts for participants, and two

evalulation survey forms, one for the instructor

and one for participants. The lesson plan is

intended for use with the videotape Dental Health

and Pregnancy, produced by United Learning.

Contact: Texas Department of State Health Services, Bureau of WIC Nutrition, 1100 West 49th

Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199. Telephone: (512)

458-7444; (800) 942-3678; fax: (512) 458-7446; 

e-mail: wicgeneral@dshs.state.tx.us; Web site: http:

//www.dshs.state.tx.us/wichd. Available from the

Web site at no charge at http://www.dshs.state.tx.

us/wichd/nut/pdf/mn00012.pdf.

DENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of

Washington State. 2004. Dental Health During

Pregnancy: What You Need to Know. Seattle, WA:

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of

Washington State. 2 pp.

This brochure offers tips on oral health care during pregnancy. The brochure discusses the importance of oral health, preventing gum diseases,

prematurity risks, and when to visit the dentist.

Additional information is provided on nutrition as

it relates to oral health. The brochure is also available in Spanish.

Contact: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Washington State, 11000 Lake City Way,

N.E., Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98125. Telephone:

(800) 322-2588; (206) 284-2465; e-mail: info@hm

hbwa.org; Web site: http://www.hmhbwa.org.

Available at no charge to Washington residents,

one sample copy available at no charge to out-ofstate residents, unable to fulfill international

orders; may be ordered online at http://www.

hmhbwa.org/forprof/materials/requestform.php,

or print form and mail.

DENTAL HEALTH TIPS FOR PREGNANT

MOMS

Maryland Department of Health and Mental

Hygiene, Office of Oral Health. 2002. Dental

Health Tips for Pregnant Moms. Baltimore, MD:

Maryland Department of Health and Mental

Hygiene, Office of Oral Health. 2 pp.

This two-sided bookmark provides tips on oral

hygiene during pregnancy, including brushing,

flossing, visiting the dentist, snacking on healthy

foods, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.

Information is also provided on oral health services and insurance available to pregnant women

in Maryland through Medicaid and the Maryland

Children’s Health Program.

Contact: Maryland Department of Health and

Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health, 201 West

Preston Street, Third Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Telephone: (410) 767-5300; fax: (410) 333-7392;

e-mail: oralhealth@dhmh.state.md.us; Web site:

http://www.fha.state.md.us/oralhealth. Available

at no charge.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

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DO WOMEN NEED TO BE MORE CAREFUL

WITH THEIR ORAL HEALTH?

Academy of General Dentistry. 2006. Do Women

Need to Be More Careful with Their Oral Health?

Chicago, IL: Academy of General Dentistry. 2 pp.

This fact sheet discusses the oral health of women

during their lifespans. It outlines the role of hormones on oral health during puberty, pregnancy,

and menopause, and when oral contraceptives

are being used. The fact sheet also touches on

oral health consequences of diet-pill consumption, eating disorders, and smoking.

Contact: Academy of General Dentistry, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611-

1999. Telephone: (888) 243-3368; fax: (312) 440-

0559; Web site: http://www.agd.org. Available at

no charge from the Web site at http://www.agd.

org/consumer/topics/women/main.asp.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

ORAL HEALTH

National Women’s Health Information Center.

2004. Frequently Asked Questions: Oral Health.

Fairfax, VA: National Women’s Health Information

Center. 9 pp.

This handout provides answers to frequently

asked questions about oral health, how oral

health and general health are connected, special

concerns during the prenatal and postnatal periods, and infant oral health care. Resources for

more information are included.

Contact: National Women’s Health Information

Center, 8500 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031. Telephone: (800) 994-9662; (888)

220-5446; fax: (703) 560-6598; Web site: http://

www.womenshealth.gov. Available at no charge;

also available at no charge from the Web site at

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/oral_health.pdf.

HOW DOES PREGNANCY AFFECT MY

ORAL HEALTH?

Academy of General Dentistry. 2006. How Does

Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health? Chicago, IL:

Academy of General Dentistry. 2 pp.

This fact sheet describes how changes during

pregnancy, particularly hormonal changes, can

affect oral health. Topics include plaque development, pregnancy tumors, gingivitis, and the

importance of proper oral hygiene and regular

dental visits. The fact sheet also touches upon

procedures such as the use of anesthesia and 

X-rays that should be discussed with the dentist

and the obstetrician before being implemented

during pregnancy.

Contact: Academy of General Dentistry, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611-

1999. Telephone: (888) 243-3368; fax: (312) 440-

0559; Web site: http://www.agd.org. Available at

no charge from the Web site at http://www.agd.

org/consumer/topics/pregnancy/main.asp.

MENSTRUATION, PREGNANCY AND

MENOPAUSE SPELL TROUBLE FOR TEETH

Academy of General Dentistry. 2006. Menstruation, Pregnancy and Menopause Spell Trouble for

Teeth. Chicago, IL: Academy of General Dentistry.

1 p.

This fact sheet briefly explains oral health issues

that may occur during a woman’s lifespan. The

fact sheet describes symptoms such as swollen

gums, pain, changes in taste, and dry mouth, as

well as osteoporosis (bone loss) that may occur

as part of puberty, pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, and menopause.

Contact: Academy of General Dentistry, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611-

1999. Telephone: (888) 243-3368; fax: (312) 440-

0559; Web site: http://www.agd.org. Available at

no charge from the Web site at http://www.agd.

org/consumer/topics/women/wom.asp.

ORAL HEALTH AND PREGNANCY

Healthy Smile Happy Child. 2006. Oral Health

and Pregnancy. Carson City, NV: Nevada State

Health Division, Oral Health Initiative. 2 pp.

This fact sheet outlines the importance of good

oral hygiene and proper nutrition during pregnancy. It discusses gingivitis, premature and

underweight infants, tooth decay, oral treatments,

and dental visits. The fact sheet is available in

English and Spanish.

Contact: Christine Wood. Nevada State Health

Division, Oral Health Initiative, 3427 Goni Road,

Suite 108, Carson City, NV 89706. Telephone:

(775) 684-4285; e-mail: pcwood@nvhd.state.nv.us;
Web site: http://health2k.state.nv.us/oral. Available at no charge from the Web site at http://

health2k.state.nv.us/oral/OHP%20English.pdf (English) and http://health2k.state.nv.us/oral/OHP%

20Spanish.pdf (Spanish).

ORAL HEALTH AND YOUR HEALTHY BABY

Colorado Community Health Network and Colorado Oral Health Network. 2005. Oral Health

and Your Healthy Baby. Denver, CO: Colorado

Community Health Network. 1 p.

This handout for consumers with low literacy

skills tells a story about the importance of proper

oral health during pregnancy. The handout also

illustrates how the bacteria in gum disease may

result in premature or low-birthweight infants.

The handout is available in English, Spanish,

French, and Russian.

Contact: Colorado Community Health Network,

600 Grant Street, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80203.

Telephone: (303) 861-5165; fax: (303) 861-5315;

Web site: http://www.cchn.org. Available at no

charge from the Web site at http://www.cchn.org/

activities/PEM_Preterm_LBW_Babies.pdf (English),

http://www.cchn.org/activities/PEM_Preterm_LBW

_Babies_SPA.pdf (Spanish), http://www.cchn.org/

activities/PEM_Preterm_LBW_Babies_RUS.pdf (Russian), and http://www.cchn.org/activities/PEM_

Preterm_LBW_Babies_French.pdf (French).

ORAL HEALTH TIDBITS

Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition

Information Center. 2003. Oral Health Tidbits.

Beltsville, MD: Department of Agriculture, Food

and Nutrition Information Center. 4 pp.

This fact sheet provides information about tooth

decay and early childhood caries (ECC). Topics

include ECC prevalence and etiology; foods,

snacking, and oral health; oral health and infants,

children, and pregnant women; breastfeeding and

ECC; and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The fact

sheet also provides references and a chart illustrating the caries process.

Contact: Food and Nutrition Information Center,

National Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore

Avenue, Room 105, Beltsville, MD 20705-2351.

Telephone: (301) 504-5719; fax: (301) 504-6409;

e-mail: fnic@nal.usda.gov; Web site: http://www.

nal.usda.gov/fnic. Available at no charge from the

Web site at http://www.nal.usda.gov/wicworks/

Topics/oralhealth.pdf.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND PRETERM

BIRTH

March of Dimes, Office of the Medical Director.

2004. Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth. White

Plains, NY: March of Dimes. 2 pp.

This fact sheet describes research into the association between periodontal disease and preterm

birth. Sections include a summary of the evidence

and issues; brief descriptions of research on the

links between periodontal disease, preterm birth,

and low birthweight; potential mechanisms and

pathways; and preventive factors in treating periodontal disease to reduce the risk of preterm

birth.

Contact: March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck

Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605. Telephone: (914)

428-7100; (888) MODIMES; (914) 997-4764; e-mail:

askus@marchofdimes.com; Web site: http://www.

marchofdimes.com. Available at no charge from

the Web site at http://www.marchofdimes.com/

files/MP_PeriodontalDiseaseAnPretermBirth031004.

pdf.

PREGNANCY AND GINGIVITIS

Academy of General Dentistry. 2006. Pregnancy

and Gingivitis. Chicago, IL: Academy of General

Dentistry. 2 pp.

This fact sheet describes oral health concerns for

women during pregnancy or when oral contraceptives are being used. Conditions such as gingivitis and other oral health factors that may lead

to premature delivery or that may affect fetal

development are described, and treatment options are outlined.

Contact: Academy of General Dentistry, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611-

1999. Telephone: (888) 243-3368; fax: (312) 440-

0559; Web site: http://www.agd.org. Available at

no charge from the Web site at http://www.agd.org/

consumer/topics/pregnancy/pregnancy_gingivitis.

asp.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

21
PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH: DENVER

HEALTH PATIENT INFORMATION

Denver Health and Hospital Authority. 2002.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Denver Health

Patient Information. Denver, CO: Denver Health

and Hospital Authority. 1 p.

This handout provides answers to frequently

asked questions about oral health during pregnancy. The handout discusses how pregnancy can

affect oral health, why maintaining proper oral

hygiene is important, and what happens at a dental visit during pregnancy. The handout also outlines how payment for an appointment is arranged

as well as other administrative issues.

Contact: Colorado Community Health Network,

600 Grant Street, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80203.

Telephone: (303) 861-5165; fax: (303) 861-5315;

Web site: http://www.cchn.org. Available at no

charge from the Web site at http://www.cchn.org/

activities/Pregnancy_and_Oral_Health.pdf (English)

and http://www.cchn.org/activities/Embarazo_Oral.

pdf (Spanish).

PREGNANCY AND YOUR MOUTH

Colorado Community Health Network and Colorado Oral Health Network. 2005. Pregnancy and

Your Mouth. Denver, CO: Colorado Community

Health Network. 1 p.

This handout for consumers with low literacy

skills describes oral health issues that may arise

during pregnancy. The handout discusses hormonal changes that affect bacteria in the mother’s

mouth and how bacteria may affect the infant’s

development. The handout advises pregnant

women to maintain proper oral hygiene, visit the

dentist for cleanings, stop smoking, and eat nutritious food. A story-like format provides information about when is the best time during pregnancy to visit a dentist. The handout is available

in English, Spanish, Russian, and French.

Contact: Colorado Community Health Network,

600 Grant Street, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80203.

Telephone: (303) 861-5165; fax: (303) 861-5315;

Web site: http://www.cchn.org. Available at no

charge from the Web site at http://www.cchn.org/

activities/Pregnancy_and_Oral_Health.pdf (English),

http://www.cchn.org/activities/PEM_Pregnancy_

and_Oral_Health_SPA.pdf (Spanish), http://www.

cchn.org/activities/PEM_Pregnancy_and_Oral_

Health_RUS.pdf (Russian), and http://www.cchn.

org/activities/PEM_Pregnancy_and_Oral_Health_

French.pdf (French).

PREGNANT WOMEN AND ORAL HEALTH

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,

School of Dentistry Oral Health Program. 2003.

Pregnant Women and Oral Health. New Orleans,

LA: Louisiana State University Health Sciences

Center, School of Dentistry Oral Health Program.

2 items; 1 brochure, 1 CD-ROM.

This information package includes one print

brochure and one CD-ROM containing a 30-second public-service announcement on the importance of oral health care during pregnancy. Topics include periodontal disease, services covered

by the Louisiana Medicaid oral health program,

how and when pregnant women should seek oral

health care, and healthy habits for oral health during pregnancy.

Contact: National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center, Georgetown University, Box

571272, Washington, DC 20057-1272. Telephone:

(202) 784-9771; fax: (202) 784-9777; e-mail: info@

mchoralhealth.org; Web site: http://www.mchoral

health.org. Single copies available at no charge.

PRENATAL DENTAL CARE

West Virginia Department of Health and Human

Resources, Oral Health Program. 2004. Prenatal

Dental Care. Charleston, WV: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Oral Health

Program. 6 pp.

This brochure discusses the importance of oral

health care during pregnancy. Topics include eating the right foods, going to the dentist, brushing

and flossing daily, and oral health problems that

may arise during pregnancy.

Contact: West Virginia Department of Health and

Human Resources, Oral Health Program, 350 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301. Telephone: (800)

642-9704; Web site: http://www.wvdhhr.org/mcfh/

ICAH/oral_health_program.asp. Available at no

charge from the Web site at http://www.wvdhhr.

org/mcfh/ICAH/Prenatal_6pages.pdf.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

22
START MOTHERHOOD WITH A HEALTHY

MOUTH

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of

Washington State. 2003. Start Motherhood with a

Healthy Mouth. Seattle, WA: Healthy Mothers,

Healthy Babies Coalition of Washington State. 2 pp.

This bookmark provides information about the

importance of good oral health and nutrition during and after pregnancy. The bookmark includes

tips for preventing gum disease during pregnancy,

when to talk with an oral health professional and

what to talk about, and steps for preventing dental

caries in infants. The bookmark is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Somali.

Contact: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Washington State, 11000 Lake City Way,

N.E., Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98125. Telephone:

(800) 322-2588; (206) 284-2465; e-mail: info@

hmhbwa.org; Web site: http://www.hmhbwa.org.

Available at no charge to Washington residents,

one sample copy available at no charge to out-ofstate residents, unable to fulfill international

orders.

WANT SOME LIFE SAVING ADVICE? ASK

YOUR DENTAL HYGIENIST ABOUT WOMEN

AND SMOKING

American Dental Hygienists’ Association. 2005.

Want Some Life Saving Advice? Ask Your Dental

Hygienist About Women and Smoking. Chicago,

IL: American Dental Hygienists’ Association. 1 p.

This handout for women describes how important

it is not to smoke. Topics include the connections

between smoking and secondhand smoke and

various forms of cancer, research on smokinglinked cancer in women, the effects of smoking

on appearance, and the relationship between

smoking and oral health issues such as stained

teeth and periodontal disease. Additional information focuses on the effects of smoking on adolescent females and young women.

Contact: American Dental Hygienists’ Association,

444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago,

IL 60611. Telephone: (312) 440-8900; fax: (312)

467-1806; e-mail: mail@adha.net; Web site: http://

www.adha.org. Available at no charge from the

Web site at http://www.adha.org/downloads/

women_smoking.pdf.

WOMEN AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE

American Academy of Periodontology. 2005. Women and Periodontal Disease. Chicago, IL: American Academy of Periodontology. 3 pp.

This fact sheet describes oral health issues unique

to women throughout their lifespans. The brochure

discusses periodontal disease, plaque, gingivitis,

and the effect of hormonal changes on gums and

on oral health during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause and when using oral contraceptives.

Contact: American Academy of Periodontology,

737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 800, Chicago,

IL 60611-2690. Telephone: (312) 787-5518; fax:

(312) 787-3670; Web site: http://www.perio.org.

Available at no charge from the Web site at http://

www.perio.org/consumer/women.htm.

STATE PROFILES

ORAL HEALTH: A LINK TO GENERAL

HEALTH

Illinois Department of Health, Division of Oral

Health. 2004. Oral Health: A Link to General Health.

Springfield, IL: Illinois Department of Health, Division of Oral Health. 7 pp.

This brief provides a snapshot of oral health status in Illinois. Topics include information on pregnancy and oral health, children’s oral health status, and early childhood caries; issues in access to

oral health care for children; oral cancer; and oral

health and general health.

Contact: Illinois Department of Public Health,

Division of Oral Health, 535 West Jefferson Street,

Room 500, Springfield, IL 62761. Telephone: (217)

782-4977; (800) 547-0466; fax: (217) 524-2831; 

e-mail: mailus@idph.state.il.us; Web site: http://

www.idph.state.il.us/HealthWellness/oralhlth/home.

htm. Available at no charge from the Web site at

http://www.idph.state.il.us/HealthWellness/oral

hlth/BurdenDocument.pdf.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

23
ORAL HEALTH CARE AMONG PREGNANT

WOMEN AND WOMEN IN ALASKA

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services,

Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health Section.

2005. Oral Health Care Among Pregnant Women

and Women in Alaska. Anchorage, AK: Alaska

Department of Health and Social Services,

Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health Section.

3 pp.

This fact sheet outlines the oral-health and oralhealth-related-service needs of pregnant women

and other women in Alaska, a chosen priority

issue for the Title V Block Grant needs-assessment

reporting requirement. Topics include prevalence

of tooth decay among women in Alaska and

nationwide, interventions and recommendations,

and capacity. [Funded by the Maternal and Child

Health Bureau]

Contact: Alaska Department of Health and Social

Services, Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health

Section, 4501 Business Park Boulevard, Suite 24,

Anchorage, AK 99503-7167. Telephone: (907) 269-

3400; (800) 799-7570; fax: (907) 269-3465; Web

site: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/wcfh. Available at no charge from the Web site at http://epi.

alaska.gov/mchepi/MCHFacts/fs2005na_v1_02.pdf.

PREGNANT WOMEN, MOTHERS AND

INFANTS: DENTAL HEALTH FOR WOMEN

Minnesota Department of Health. 2004. Pregnant

Women, Mothers and Infants: Dental Health for

Women. St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Department of

Health. 2 pp.

This fact sheet outlines the oral-health and oralhealth-related-service needs of pregnant women,

mothers, and infants in Minnesota, a chosen priority issue for the 2005 Title V Block Grant needsassessment reporting requirement. The fact sheet

addresses the following topics: the magnitude and

seriousness of the problem, interventions to

increase access to oral health services and integrate oral health care within the current system of

care accessed by women throughout their lifespans, the effectiveness of specific interventions,

and state programs and strategies to increase

access to oral health services for women of childbearing age. [Funded by the Maternal and Child

Health Bureau]

Contact: Minnesota Department of Health, Maternal and Child Health Section, P.O. Box 64882, 85

East Seventh Place, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55164.

Telephone: (651) 215-8960; Web site: http://www.

health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mch. Available at no

charge from the Web site at http://www.health.

state.mn.us/divs/cfh/na/factsheets/pwmi/dental

health.html.

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

24
ORGANIZATIONS

MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

27

ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

NATIONAL HEALTHY MOTHERS, HEALTHY

BABIES COALITION

2001 North Beauregard Street, 12th Floor

Alexandria, VA 22311-1732

Telephone: (703) 836-6110

Fax: (703) 836-3470

E-mail: info@hmhb.org

Web site: http://www.hmhb.org

The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies

Coalition (HMHB) is a coalition of governmental

and national professional and voluntary organizations with a common interest in maternal, infant,

and child health. HMHB fosters education efforts

for pregnant women, children, and families

through collaborative activities and sharing of

information and resources, and the coalition conducts outreach and legislative advocacy activities.

The Web site provides resources for professionals

and consumers on topics including nutrition and

oral health and pregnancy.

ORAL HEALTH AMERICA

410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 352

Chicago, IL 60611-4211

Telephone: (312) 836-9900

Fax: (312) 836-9986

Web site: http://www.oralhealthamerica.org

The mission of Oral Health America (OHA) is to

raise awareness of oral health’s importance to

overall health. The organization develops

resources for improving and promoting the oral

health of people through broad-based public

advocacy. OHA’s programs strive to raise awareness about oral health issues among policymakers, opinion leaders, and the public; improve

access to effective oral health services; and develop innovative projects that improve the effectiveness of the nation’s oral-health-care system in

reaching those without access to care. The organization’s programs include the National Periodontal Disease Coalition, which meets annually

to discuss recent scientific developments, including developments related to the possible link

between periodontal disease and preterm birth

and low birthweight. The Web site contains an

electronic newsletter, program descriptions, and

information about hearings and legislation related

to oral health.

FEDERAL AGENCIES

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND

PREVENTION

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention

and Health Promotion

Division of Oral Health

4770 Buford Highway, N.E., Mailstop F-10

Atlanta, GA 30341-3717

Telephone: (770) 488-6054

E-mail: oralhealth@cdc.gov

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) is responsible for promoting oral health

through public health interventions. Activities of

the Division of Oral Health include supporting

state- and community-based programs to prevent

oral disease, evaluating the cost-effectiveness of

prevention strategies, and fostering applied

research to enhance oral-disease prevention in

community settings. The Web site includes links

to fact sheets, journal articles (including articles

reporting on the possible link between periodontal disease and preterm and low birthweight),

press releases, guidelines, data systems, and

descriptions of activities in states receiving CDC

funding for oral health programs.

CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

SERVICES

Office of Oral Health

7500 Security Boulevard, C2-26-12

Baltimore, MD 21244

Telephone: (410) 786-3000

Fax: (410) 786-3194

Web site: http://cms.hhs.gov/oralhealth

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

(CMS) provides health insurance to Americans

through Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. CMS’s Office of

ORGANIZATIONS
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

28

Oral Health provides guidance to states administering these programs and services to beneficiaries and providers. The Web site provides an

overview of Medicaid oral health services and

links to state Medicaid contacts

MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BUREAU

Health Resources and Services Administration

5600 Fishers Lane

Parklawn Building, Room 18-05

Rockville, MD 20857

Telephone: (301) 443-2170

Fax: (301) 443-1797

Web site: http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)

provides leadership, partnership, and resources to

advance the health of mothers, infants, children,

and adolescents, including those from families

with low incomes, those with diverse racial and

ethnic backgrounds, and those living in rural or

isolated areas who lack access to care. The objective of MCHB’s oral health program is to promote

comprehensive, community-based oral health services that combine public and private delivery

systems, maximize the effectiveness of Medicaid

and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program’s oral health programs, and encourage the

application of science to practice to reduce disease burden (see http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/default.htm). The Web site provides information about funding opportunities, data, and

publications.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND

CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

National Institutes of Health

31 Center Drive, MSC2190

Building 31, Room 5B55

Bethesda, MD 20892

Telephone: (301) 496-4261

Fax: (301) 496-9988

E-mail: nidcrinfo@mail.nih.gov

Web site: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov

The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research seeks to

improve oral, dental, and craniofacial health

through research, training, and the dissemination

of health information. Activities include performing and supporting basic and clinical research;

conducting and funding research training and

career development; coordinating and assisting

relevant research and research-related activities

among all sectors of the research community; and

promoting the timely transfer of knowledge

gained from research and its implications for

health to researchers, health professionals, policymakers, and the public. The Web site provides

information about oral diseases and conditions,

funding opportunities, research, clinical trials, and

press releases on a variety of topics, including

periodontal disease in pregnancy.

POLICY CENTERS

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

1990 M Street, N.W., Suite 200

Washington, DC 20036

Telephone: (202) 833-8288

Fax: (202) 318-0667

Web site: http://www.cdhp.org

The Children’s Dental Health Project (CDHP)

forges research-driven policies that improve children’s access to oral health care and engages a

broad base of partners committed to children and

oral health. CDHP’s Improving Perinatal and

Infant Oral Health Care Project is an initiative

designed to reduce oral health disparities among

women and infants and to increase access to oral

health services. The three main goals of the project are to (1) expand availability of prenatal oral

health care, (2) expand availability of infant oral

health care, and (3) raise public awareness about

oral health care for pregnant women and infants.

The Web site contains a database of state-specific

data pertinent to oral health policy and current

and archived issues of News*Bytes, CDHP’s

biweekly e-mail newsletter that collects and disseminates press reports on children’s oral health.

NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH POLICY CENTER

UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and

Communities

1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite 850

Los Angeles, CA 90095-6939

Telephone: (310) 794-2583

Fax: (310) 794-2728

Web site: http://www.healthychild.ucla.edu/

nohpc

The National Oral Health Policy Center seeks to

identify policy roadblocks and improvements to
MATERNAL ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

29

accessing oral health care, with a particular focus

on children and families with low incomes who

are covered by Medicaid. The center provides consultations and technical assistance to organizations

and states and develops publications on maternal

and child oral health policy. The Web site contains

links to publications, legislative issues, and policy

approaches.

PROFESSIONAL

ASSOCIATIONS

ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 900

Chicago, IL 60611-1999

Telephone: (888) 243-3368

Fax: (312) 440-0559

Web site: http://www.agd.org

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) facilitates the practice of the profession of general dentistry by investigating and determining policies

that advance dentists professionally and provide

optimal oral health care for consumers. AGD fosters the continued proficiency of members

through high-quality continuing-oral-health education. The Web site features information about

annual conferences, membership, and publications. In addition, the site provides links to consumer fact sheets on various oral health topics.

Consumers can submit questions via the Web site,

which are answered by academy members.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF

PERIODONTOLOGY

737 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 800

Chicago, IL 60611-2690

Telephone: (312) 787-5518

Fax: (312) 787-3670

Web site: http://www.perio.org

The American Academy of Periodontology seeks

to advance the periodontal health of the public

and to represent and serve the academy’s members. The academy publishes position papers,

develops guidelines, and, through its media-relations campaign, distributes more than 1,000 stories annually to the press on a variety of subjects,

including women’s oral health. Oral health information for the public is available on the Web site

on a range of topics, such as women’s oral health

across the lifespan. Resources for professionals

include information about the annual meeting,

clinical and scientific papers, and online access to

the Journal of Periodontology.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC

HEALTH DENTISTRY

P.O. Box 7536

1224 Centre West, Suite 400B

Springfield, IL 62791-7536

Telephone: (217) 391-0218

Fax: (217) 793-0041

Web site: http://www.aaphd.org

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) is committed to educating health

professionals and the public to advance oral-disease prevention and health promotion. AAPHD

membership is open to all individuals concerned

about improving the oral health of the public.

AAPHD has a variety of committees to address

oral health issues; sponsors annual conferences,

workshops, and training seminars; and produces

publications, including a quarterly newsletter,

Communiqué, and a quarterly journal, Journal of

Public Health Dentistry. PowerPoint presentations

from previous National Oral Health Conference

sessions on topics including perinatal oral health

are available on the Web site.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN

DENTISTS

216 West Jackson Boulevard

Chicago, IL 60606

Telephone: (800) 920-2293

Fax: (312) 750-1203

E-mail: info@aawd.org

Web site: http://www.womendentists.org

The American Association of Women Dentists

(AAWD) is a national network for employment

opportunities and scientific exchange. It represents

women dentists across the United States, internationally, and in the armed forces. AAWD’s not-forprofit foundation, Smiles for Success, assists women

in transition from welfare to work who cannot

afford oral health care. The Smiles for Success foundation Web site (http://smilesforsuccess.org) contains more information about the program.
AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

211 East Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611-2678

Telephone: (312) 440-2500

Fax: (312) 440-7494

E-mail: info@ada.org

Web site: http://www.ada.org

The American Dental Association encourages

community-health improvement, promotes the art

and science of dentistry, and represents the interests of the oral health profession and the public.

Activities include research, education, and promotion of legislation. The association also publishes

the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Resources are available on the Web site for members and the public. The Oral Health Topics A-toZ section includes an overview of oral health care

for women and links to other resources.

AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’

ASSOCIATION

444 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400

Chicago, IL 60611

Telephone: (312) 440-8900

Fax: (312) 467-1806

E-mail: mail@adha.net

Web site: http://www.adha.org

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s

mission is to advance the art and science of dental hygiene and to promote the highest standards

of education and practice in the profession.

Through its public health section, the association

advocates for treatment of underserved populations and for inclusion of comprehensive oral

health services in the design of health care programs. Fact sheets on topics including women

and smoking and premature birth are available on

the Web site, along with position papers, online

continuing-education courses, and press releases.

ASSOCIATION OF STATE AND TERRITORIAL

DENTAL DIRECTORS

105 Westerly Road

New Bern, NC 28560

Telephone: (272) 637-6333

Fax: (252) 637-3343

E-mail: dperkins@astdd.org

Web site: http://www.astdd.org

The Association of State and Territorial Dental

Directors formulates and promotes the establishment of national oral health public policy and

assists state oral health programs in developing

and implementing programs and policies for the

prevention of oral diseases. The association builds

awareness and strengthens oral public health professionals’ knowledge and skills by (1) developing position papers and policy statements on oral

health issues, (2) conducting special studies on

oral public health practices, (3) providing information on oral health to health officials and policymakers, (4) publishing a quarterly newsletter, and

(5) conducting conferences for the oral public

health community. The Web site includes an A-toZ topics section with information on oral health

conditions, programs, and special populations; a

member directory; guidelines for state and territorial oral health programs; and examples of bestpractices approaches.

HISPANIC DENTAL ASSOCIATION

1224 Centre West, Suite 400B

Springfield, IL 62704

Telephone: (312) 577-4013

Fax: (217) 793-0041

E-mail: HispanicDental@hdassoc.org

Web site: http://www.hdassoc.org

The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) provides

leadership and represents professionals who

share a commitment to improving the oral health

of the Hispanic community and increasing the

number of Hispanics entering the oral health profession. Services include responding to information requests, publishing a newsletter, hosting a

discussion list, and sponsoring an annual meeting, which will include a presentation on perinatal oral health care in 2007. The Web site contains

links to HDA state chapters; news and announcements; scholarship information; and tips for perinatal, infant, and children’s oral health care in

Spanish and English.

NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION

3517 16th Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20010

Telephone: (202) 588-1697

Fax: (202) 588-1244

E-mail: admin@ndaonline.org

Web site: http://www.ndaonline.org

The National Dental Association (NDA) is dedicated to improving the oral health of the underserved. It is the parent organization of the Student

National Dental Association, the National Dental

Hygienists Association, and the National Dental

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Assistants Association. The association’s foundation provides funding for research projects and

financial aid to African Americans and other

underrepresented minority students pursuing

careers in oral health. The Web site contains position statements and describes the NDA’s many

ongoing outreach projects.

RESOURCE CENTERS

HRSA INFORMATION CENTER

P.O. Box 2910

Merrifield, VA 22116

Telephone: (888) ASK-HRSA (275-4772)

Fax: (703) 821-2098

E-mail: ask@hrsa.gov

Web site: http://www.ask.hrsa.gov

The HRSA Information Center provides publications, resources, and referrals on health care services for individuals with low incomes, those with

no insurance, and those with special health care

needs. Materials developed by the Health

Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA’s)

bureaus and offices are available free of charge.

The Web site features information on organizations, news sources, current HRSA initiatives, and

publications on women’s oral health.

NATIONAL MATERNAL AND CHILD ORAL

HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

Georgetown University

Box 571272

Washington, DC 20057-1272

Telephone: (202) 784-9771

Fax: (202) 784-9777

E-mail: info@mchoralhealth.org

Web site: http://www.mchoralhealth.org

The National Maternal and Child Oral Health

Resource Center (OHRC) responds to the needs

of health professionals, program administrators,

educators, policymakers, and others working in

states and communities to address current and

emerging public oral health issues with the goal

of improving oral health services for infants, children, adolescents, and their families. Activities

include collecting programmatic materials such as

standards, guidelines, curricula, manuals, policies,

and reports for the resource collection; developing and disseminating publications; and providing technical assistance and responses to information requests. The OHRC Web site provides electronic materials produced by the resource center,

links to materials produced by others, and links

to relevant Web sites.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH

INFORMATION CENTER

8500 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 300

Fairfax, VA 22031

Telephone: (800) 994-9662

Fax: (703) 560-6598

Web site: http://www.4woman.gov

The National Women’s Health Information Center

(NWHIC) is a service of the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office on

Women’s Health. NWHIC serves as a gateway to

a wide variety of federal and other women’s

health-information resources. Through its toll-free

call center and Web site, NWHIC helps individuals

order, link to, and download materials related to

women’s health that were developed by DHHS,

other federal agencies, and private-sector sources.

VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS

MARCH OF DIMES

1275 Mamaroneck Avenue

White Plains, NY 10605

Telephone: (914) 428-7100

Fax: (914) 428-8203

E-mail: askus@marchofdimes.com

Web site: http://www.marchofdimes.com

The March of Dimes (MOD) works to prevent

birth defects and infant mortality through

research, education, and advocacy programs.

MOD’s Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education

Center provides information and referral services

for the general public and professionals. MOD

also produces educational materials, and some

materials are available in Spanish. The Web site

provides information about changes in oral health

status during pregnancy, tips for keeping teeth

and gums healthy during pregnancy, and advice

about when women should consult an oral health

professional.

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NATIONAL NETWORK FOR ORAL HEALTH

ACCESS

115 Second Street

Fort Lupton, CO 80621

Telephone: (720) 838-7739

Fax: (866) 316-4995

Web site: http://www.nnoha.org

The National Network for Oral Health Access is

dedicated to improving the health status of the

unserved and underserved through improved

access to oral health services. The organization

represents dentists and dental hygienists who

practice in federally funded migrant, homeless,

and community health centers. The Web site contains low-literacy and non-English-language fact

sheets on women’s oral health, among other

resources.

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NOTES
NOTES