Prenatal Care Providers Oral Health and Pregnancy Knowledge and Behaviors

The connection between oral and systemic health has gained attention in recent years. Numerous investigations suggest that periodontal disease is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. What is not known is how medical and nursing professionals view this research or if they promote oral health to patients.

Objective: To assess nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse midwives knowledge, behaviors and opinions regarding periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: A 45-item survey was developed, IRB approved, pretested, and mailed to North Carolina licensed nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives who provide prenatal care.

Results: Surveys were mailed (n=504), 30 returned due to insufficient address for a total of n=156 (33%) after the first mailing only 20 % of NP, PA, NM examine a patient's mouth at initial visit. Only 39% reported being trained to provide an oral exam while (6%) indicated that it is responsibility of dental professionals to provide the exam. Many reported(65%) their program did not address dental health in the curriculum. When asked about the level of risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, most (95%) reported smoking by mother, multiple gestation (78%), second hand smoke (69 %) and periodontal disease (64%) respectively as being a definite risk. The majority 60 %) felt their educational program was poor or very poor in education about oral health and (54%) were interested in attending continuing education about oral –systemic health topics.

Conclusions: Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives who frequently exam women could serve an important role in screening for oral health problems and referring them for necessary care. Increased education in their academic programs and continuing education could assist in preparing these professionals for collaborative care with oral healthcare professionals.

Acknowledgement: This project was funded by unrestricted research grant from Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals.