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  • Title: Obstetric provider approach to perinatal oral health.
    Author: Wilson EH, Farrell C, Zielinski RE, Gonik B.
    Journal: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med; 2017 May; 30(9):1089-1091. PubMed ID: 27325046.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To examine the practices and attitudes of obstetric providers in the state of Michigan on their approach to perinatal oral health. METHODS: An online survey was distributed using health care provider databases in the state of Michigan. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and Fisher's Exact Test was used for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were 146 respondents, 80 obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) and 66 certified nurse midwife (CNM) providers. Eighty percent acknowledged that perinatal oral health is an important consideration for optimal prenatal care, while only 53% reported having questions specific to oral health on their intake documents. Only 35% discussed oral health, 29% performed an oral cavity exam and 42% recommended oral health assessment by a dentist. CNMs were more likely than OB/GYNs to discuss the importance of oral health (48% versus 24%, (p <.05)) and recommend a formal dental assessment (61% versus 26% (p<.05)). These findings demonstrate a dichotomy of care in that obstetric providers recognize the importance of oral health care in pregnancy, but only a minority routinely incorporates these surveillance practices. CONCLUSION: These data highlight a gap in obstetric services that needs attention through specific educational initiatives and further research endeavors that address health care provider practice and patient barriers.
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