Ask the Docs
Prenatal Oral Health Virtual Series
This series addresses common questions about oral health care during pregnancy. It is for prenatal and dental providers and their support staff.
Sessions feature experts to guide meaningful discussion and provide accurate information. Recordings and resources from each session will be posted below.
This series is hosted in partnership with the Children's Oral Health Coalition led by Cook Children's as part of the Coordinated Care for Pregnant Teens + Women (CC4PT+W) initiative.
Past Sessions
Do No Harm: The Ethics, Myths & Business of Caring for Pregnant People
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Tony R. Bertolino, Esq. answered common questions about ethical dilemmas, risks, and the business of caring for pregnant people.
November, 2022 l Do No Harm: Ethics & Business of Care During Pregnancy
Who Do You Call: Making the Referral Connection
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm CT
Patricia Braun, M.D. (Denver Health) and Rhonda Stokley, DDS (Texas Department of State Health Services) discussed medical/dental referral workflows for pregnant patients. Moderated by Monica Anderson, DDS (Sun Life DentaQuest), they answered questions and provided insights about how to establish a referral process.
September, 2022 l Who Do You Call: Making the Referral Connection
Maternal Depression: Signs, Facts, and Resources
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Click thumbnail to view recording.
Kia Carter, M.D., Lisa M. Elliott, PhD., and Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C explored how dental and medical providers can work together to address the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women. The mental health of the mother can impact her baby's future health.
Resource:
Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Medical and Dental Care
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Click thumbnail to view recording.
Meera S. Beharry, M.D. FAAP, FSAHM (Adolescent Medicine Consulting, LLC) and Shanna Combs, M.D., FACOG (Cook Children's Pediatric Gynecology) talked about the issues pregnant teens face, and the importance of engaging adolescents in their medical and oral health journey before, during, and after pregnancy. They discussed:
- Strategies for supporting pregnant teens as they transition from pediatric to adult medical and dental care;
- Doctor/teen confidential consult, rights of minors, parental consent, and questions to ask;
- Stigmas as a barrier to care; and
- Tips for creating a teen friendly environment.
Importance of Oral Health During Pregnancy
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Click thumbnail to view recording
Shanna M. Combs, MD, FACOG (Cook Children's) and Rhonda Stokley, DDS (Texas Department of State Health Services) discussed the link between oral health and overall health during pregnancy and how a mother's oral health impacts baby.
Resources:
- Oral Health Checklist for both dental and prenatal providers (PDF)
- Dental Referral Form for Pregnant Women (PDF)
Safety of Dental Treatment and COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Click thumbnail to view recording
Andrea Palmer, MD, FACOG (Fenom Women's Care) and Tonya Fuqua, DDS (Cook Children's) discussed the safety of routine dental care for pregnant patients including use of x-rays, pain medications, and local anesthesia. Questions regarding the COVID-19 virus and vaccines were also addressed.
Resources:
- Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: Guidance for Texas Prenatal and Dental Providers (PDF)
- Dental Pharmacological Considerations (PDF)
- Cook Children's COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy Info
- DSHS COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy Poster - English (PDF)/Spanish (PDF)
Get in Touch
Mailing Address
Oral Health Improvement Program MC 1818
PO Box 149347 Austin, Texas 78714-9347
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
United States