Information for Prenatal and Dental Providers
Good oral health is important for a healthy pregnancy. You as a provider, are often the “first line” in assessing a pregnant woman’s oral health. You can help identify problems, provide referrals, and reinforce good oral health habits. The Smiles for Moms and Babies (SMB) program aims to prevent oral disease in pregnant women and babies. It highlights the importance of oral care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Resources for Prenatal Providers and Dentists
Below are resources for providers to educate, refer, and treat pregnant patients.
Texas Provider Toolkit for Oral Health and Pregnancy:
- Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: Guidance for Texas Prenatal and Dental Providers (PDF)
- Oral Health Screening Checklist (PDF)
- Dental Pharmacological Considerations (PDF)
- Dental Referral Form for Pregnant Women (PDF)
- Oral Health Tips for Pregnant Women – English (PDF)/Spanish (PDF)
- Oral Health Tips for Infants – English (PDF)/Spanish (PDF)
- Office Poster for Prenatal Providers (PDF)
Email dental@dshs.texas.gov to request a physical toolkit or individual printed toolkit items.
Ask the Docs Virtual Series
This video series addresses common questions about oral health care during pregnancy and is presented in partnership with the Children's Oral Health Coalition led by Cook Children's. It is for prenatal and dental providers and their support staff. For information on upcoming live sessions and to view recordings of past sessions, click here.
Other Resources on Oral Care for Pregnant Women
- Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Care from the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (PDF)
- National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
- Oral Health Pregnancy Consensus (PDF)
- Opioids and Pregnant Women
- Bright Futures: Oral Health Guide
- Oral Health During Pregnancy – American Dental Association
- Oral Health Care During Pregnancy – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Dental Home Resource Center – American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Protect Tiny Teeth Toolkit and Implementation Guide – American Academy of Pediatrics
Last reviewed and updated: May 14, 2024