Combined Grand Round for Kentucky Obstetricians and Dentists Addresses Prenatal Oral Health

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 23, 2014) — Good oral hygiene is especially important for pregnant women, who experience physiologic changes that can make teeth and gums more susceptible to disorders. An estimated 40 percent of pregnant women have a form of periodontal disease, and oral infections can put women at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Still, some obstetricians and dental care providers are often unclear about which practices and medications are safe for their prenatal patients.

"A lot of people think it's not safe to go to the dentist when you are pregnant, but in fact it's the opposite," Diana Frankenburger, childbirth education coordinator at UK HealthCare, said. "A lot of dentists are, frankly, nervous to provide some services to these patients."

On Sept. 23, a grand rounds session at the UK Chandler Hospital will join 150 oral health providers and obstetricians together for the first time to discuss best practices in prenatal oral health care. Dr. Julie McKee, the state dental director in the Kentucky Office of Health and Family Services, will present, "Oral Health Care: What's Appropriate and What Isn't During the Pre-Natal Period?" McKee will talk about safe oral treatment for prenatal patients with oral health disorders and the need to improve prenatal oral care in Kentucky. She will discuss guidelines provided by a consensus statement from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center.

Frankenburger said often dentists and obstetricians have differing opinions about which types of treatment are appropriate for prenatal patients. The purpose of the grand round is to clarify information and encourage members of professions to recognize the beneficial relationship between obstetricians and dentists. McKee will also emphasize the importance of educating prenatal patients about the connection between good oral hygiene and a healthy pregnancy.

Dr. Pamela Sparks, associate dean for academic affairs in the UK College of Dentistry and a member of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department board, said it's important for faculty within the college to stay current on the most relevant practices so they can not only practice those standards of care, but teach them to their students.  

“The best care occurs when all members of the health care team are communicating and on the same page about appropriate care for their patients,” Sparks said.

The joint grand round is funded by a grant awarded to Lexington-Fayette County Health Department from the March of Dimes. Lexington Fayette County Health Department collaborates with the UK College of Dentistry and Bluegrass HealthFirst  to provide dental services to women enrolled in the health department’s HANDS program, the Young Parents Program at the UK HealthCare Polk Dalton Clinic and the Centering Pregnancy and EMPOWR programs, which are both pregnancy assistance programs based at the UK HealthCare Polk Dalton Clinic. Pregnant women participating in these programs are provided with oral hygiene education and receive free oral care services.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, elizabethadams@uky.edu