Long-Term Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Midwifery Initiated Oral Health Education Program in Australia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Past Australian research has identified gaps in midwives' knowledge, confidence and skills to incorporate oral health promotion within routine antenatal care. The Midwifery Initiated Oral Health (MIOH) evidence-based online training program is designed to provide midwives with practical skills required to promote oral health. The long-term effectiveness of the MIOH program on midwives' oral health knowledge and confidence to incorporate oral health promotion into practice was assessed. A pre-post-test design was used with a convenience sample of midwives (pre vs. post and post versus long-term follow-up >= 12 month) participating in the program with questionnaires capturing self-reported oral health knowledge and confidence. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (McNemars test). Midwives (pre, n = 179; post, n = 173; long-term follow-up, n = 22) self-reported oral health knowledge significantly improved from pre to post and was sustained long-term. Knowledge gains were found in key areas such as the management of oral health in pregnancy, conditions associated with and prevalence of periodontal disease. Self-reported confidence in promoting oral health significantly improved among midwives post-training in most areas assessed, including answering questions about and conducting oral health assessments, assisting with referrals and determining public dental service eligibility. Confidence was largely sustained for all items at long-term follow-up. Findings provide evidence of the MIOH program's long-term impact on midwives' self-reported oral health knowledge and confidence to effectively promote oral health within their practice. The MIOH program is a useful evidence-based professional development resource to support the competencies of midwives to incorporate oral health promotion into their practice.