Scheduling a dental appointment during routine prenatal visits significantly increases the chance that a pregnant patient will receive dental care, according to new research led by a Rutgers-affiliated investigator and published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study underscores how simple care coordination can integrate oral health into prenatal care and help reduce disparities among vulnerable populations.
Why oral care matters during pregnancy
Pregnancy is associated with heightened risk for certain oral conditions, including gum inflammation and, in some cases, increased tooth decay. Clinical guidance has evolved: once hesitant, many dentists now recognize that both routine and emergency dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, and professional obstetric and dental guidelines support providing care throughout this period.
Evidence for a low-cost intervention
The research, led by Stefanie Russell while at New York University and now an associate professor at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, examined the effect of scheduling dental appointments at prenatal clinics. The intervention requires no extra staff and adds little to clinic workflow, yet it meaningfully raised the likelihood that patients later attended dental visits during pregnancy.
“Many of those vulnerable to oral disease enter pregnancy with dental disease, and this may worsen during pregnancy,”
Russell said, noting the importance of reaching patients where they already receive care.
Disparities and policy context
The study highlights that women enrolled in Medicaid are less likely to receive dental cleanings during pregnancy compared with those holding private insurance, despite higher rates of dental disease among Medicaid enrollees. Integrating appointment scheduling into prenatal care is presented as a potential route to narrow that gap.
- Intervention: Scheduling a dental appointment during prenatal visits.
- Benefits: Increased likelihood of dental attendance during pregnancy without additional staffing or cost.
- Target: Vulnerable populations, including women on Medicaid, who have higher dental disease rates but lower utilization.
Implications for clinicians and health systems
By coordinating care between obstetric and dental providers, prenatal clinics can play a direct role in improving maternal oral health. The approach aligns with current guidelines that support dental treatment during pregnancy and leverages existing patient touchpoints to promote preventive care.
| Issue | Study finding / context |
|---|---|
| Safety of dental care in pregnancy | Routine and emergency dental care is considered safe; professional guidelines endorse treatment during pregnancy. |
| Access gap | Women on Medicaid have higher dental disease rates but are less likely to get cleanings during pregnancy. |
| Effective tactic | Scheduling dental appointments during prenatal visits increases the chance of receiving dental care. |
The study illustrates a pragmatic, scalable strategy to bridge a long-standing divide between medical and dental care. For clinicians and health systems seeking to improve maternal and child health outcomes, embedding oral health scheduling into prenatal workflows may be an efficient first step.
Reporting is based on the study published in the American Journal of Public Health and statements from the study leader, Stefanie Russell, now at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
