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:

• Postpartum Support International

Transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Medical and Dental Care

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 

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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

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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

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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)