Barriers to Dental Care During Pregnancy: Implications for Oral Health Disparities

This project will evaluate barriers to dental care faced by pregnant women and assess their implications on receiving oral health services and adverse health outcomes. It will examine potential disparities in barriers and access to oral health services across racial and ethnic minorities and other vulnerable population groups. The study will use the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2017-2022 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and will build on our previous research focused on impacts of dental utilization on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. PRAMS data includes information on barriers to obtaining dental care during pregnancy, such as dental insurance coverage, oral health literacy (knowledge of the importance and safety of oral health services during pregnancy), integration of health services (guidance about dental care from health care providers), availability of dental workforce (dentists accepting pregnant and Medicaid patients), and affordability of dental care. The survey also collects information on maternal demographics, socioeconomic status, household characteristics, health status, health history, and lifestyle. The study findings will support the development of federal, state, and community-based policies and programs aimed at enhancing access to dental care, thereby improving the oral and overall health of pregnant women and their children.