Authors: Le, Mai¹; Riedy, Christine²; Weinstein, Philip²; Milgrom, Peter³

Source: Journal of Dentistry for Children, Volume 76, Number 1, January-April 2009 , pp. 46-52(7)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: Dental services during pregnancy can improve maternal oral health, reduce mother-child transmission of cariogenic bacteria, and create opportunities for anticipatory guidance. The purpose of this study was to understand why low-income women did or did not utilize dental services in a pilot program to promote dental visits during pregnancy in Klamath County, Ore.

Methods: Women were selected randomly from the pilot program. 51 women were asked to participate in semistructured telephone interviews regarding utilization of dental services during pregnancy. 45 women (88%) utilized dental services and 6 did not. Transcripts were content analyzed using a mixed method qualitative approach—grounded theory and stages of change model—to identify themes.

Results: Most women overcame stress or dentally related barriers to obtain care. Stressors included poor domestic relationships, personal finances, and employment. Dentally related factors included perception of dental experience, attitude toward dental providers, importance/valuing of oral health, perceived ability to pay for care, time constraints, and dental providers' and office staff attitudes toward clients.

Conclusions: Pregnancy stressors and dentally related issues were identified as barriers to utilizing dental services. Identifying barriers that prevent women from taking action to access dental care may provide essential information for enhancing programs to promote dental visits during pregnancy.

Keywords: ORAL HEALTH DISPARITIES; DENTAL SERVICES; UTILIZATION; PREGNANCY; MEDICAID

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington 2: Dental Public Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Washington 3: Professor in Dental Public Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Washington; Director of the Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities

Publication date: 2009-01-01

More about this publication?

• Acquired after the merger between the American Society of Dentistry for Children and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 2002, the Journal of Dentistry for Children (JDC) is an internationally renowned journal whose publishing dates back to 1934. Published three times a year, JDC promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. It covers a wide range of topics related to the clinical care of children, from clinical techniques of daily importance to the practitioner, to studies on child behavior and growth and development. JDC also provides information on the physical, psychological and emotional conditions of children as they relate to and affect their dental health.
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