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Oral Health in Women During Preconception and Pregnancy
Oral health reflects and influences general health and well being. Maternal oral health has significant implications for birth outcomes and infant oral health. Maternal periodontal disease, that is, a chronic infection of the gingiva and supporting tooth structures, has been associated with preterm birth, development of preeclampsia, and delivery of a small-for-gestational age infant.
Regardless of the potential for improved oral health to improve pregnancy outcomes, public policies that support comprehensive dental services for vulnerable women of childbearing age should be expanded so that their own oral and general health is safeguarded and their children's risk of caries is reduced. (Boggess, 2006)
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In the News: Children's Dental Health Project Collaboration to Launch National Oral Health Policy Center
June 9, 2008- The Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP) has collaborated with the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD), Medicaid/SCHIP Dental Association (MSDA), and National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP).
This collaboration was awarded a prestigious three-year cooperative agreement from the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Department of Health and Human Services to fund the National Oral Health Policy Center to promote effective policy options addressing disparities in children's oral health.
For more information on the goals of the National Oral Health Policy Center or other CDHP news, visit:
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Dental Health Foundation's WIC Early Intervention Program
As part of the Dental Health Foundation's (DHF) vision of oral health for all, they have collaborated with WIC: Building Collaboration for Oral Health. The purpose of this early intervention project is to increase the number of at-risk one year olds who:
- Receive preventive dental services
- Access early dental care
- Have a relationship with an identified dental provider
Children enrolled in selected WIC agencies will receive age appropriate preventive care-assessments and fluoride varnish, as well as parent education/ anticipatory guidance. WIC will serve as the entry point for dental care for these children.
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Oral Health Resource Center Publication- Dentists and Head Start
This two-page brief provides information about how dentists can help address the oral health needs of pregnant women, infants, and children enrolled in Head Start. It offers an introduction to Head Start, including its history and demographics served, as well as a discussion of oral health risks.
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Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health Webcast Series:
Thursday, July 17, 2008-
Health Care Reform: Preparing Local Health Departments for Change on the Horizon
NACCHO and CityMatCH present the sixth year of the Emerging Issues in MCH (E-MCH) series. E-MCH provides cutting-edge research, policy and programmatic strategies for the most pressing issues facing public health in the United States.
This series highlights research, information, and collaborative efforts between state and local health departments on a variety of MCH topics. Guest speakers from national, state, and local health departments discuss their experiences and share information on programs related to the featured topic.
View archived webcasts, including June's webcast on Tobacco Cessation- Smoking and the Effects on Infant Health, at http://webcasts.naccho.org/session-archived.php?id=1446.
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Upcoming Event
October 10, 2008- Boston, MA
American Academy of Pediatrics Symposium on Oral Health in the 21st Century
Oral health will be the focus of the 2008 Pediatrics for the 21st Century Symposium Series being held in Boston on October 10th at the Hynes Convention Center. Former US Surgeon General, David Satcher, MD, will serve as the keynote speaker. Topics include:
- Costs of oral health to society
- Relationship between oral health and well-being
- State level advocacy, education, and collaboration
Also, in recognition of the impact of oral health on child health, the American Academy of Pediatrics in partnership with the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), have implemented the Oral Health Initiative. The purpose of the program is to promote improved child oral health by offering pediatricians and other child health professionals the tools and support they need to provide community-based, collaborative care.
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Excerpts from NACCHO Public Health Dispatch
MCH- Related Tools and Resources
 This monthly newsletter sent to all active NACCHO members contains brief updates, events, resources, job postings, funding opportunities, member highlights, and other information of relevance to LHDs. Regular sections include family health, reproductive health, environmental health, emergency preparedness, mental health, and immunizations among others.
For downloads of past issues and other NACCHO publications, visit http://www.naccho.org/publications/journals/.
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