Perinatal oral health : perceptions of antenatal care providers in New South Wales, Australia

![CDATA[Introduction: Poor oral health is prevalent among pregnant women and may affect birth and infant outcomes. Yet, many expectant mothers are unaware of the implications of poor oral health and seldom seek dental care. Antenatal care (ANC) providers are now recommended to promote maternal oral health and provide dental referrals during early pregnancy. Unfortunately there is limited research exploring this aspect of antenatal care in Australia. The aim of this study was to explore current knowledge and attitudes of ANC providers [midwives, general practitioners (GPs), obstetricians and gynaecologists (O&Gs)] towards perinatal oral health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of ANC providers (n = 393) (195 midwives, 124 GPs, 74 O&Gs) practising in NSW was conducted in 2013–2014. The survey contained items from previously tested questionnaires relating to perinatal oral health. It was reviewed by experts to establish content validity and then tested with a sample of ANC providers to ensure clarity and readability. The survey items included knowledge, attitude, practices and barriers toward dental care for pregnant women. Recruitment was undertaken through relevant professional colleges using online and postal surveys. All data were analysed using statistical software. Results: ANC providers showed limited knowledge about perinatal oral health (mean correct responses 60.4%) especially around the impact of poor maternal oral health on pregnancy/infant outcomes and safety of certain medications and dental procedures. Few [22% (n = 82)] discussed oral health or regularly advised pregnant women to see a dentist during pregnancy with significant differences seen among those who had more years’ experience, received information about maternal oral health or formal education in this area (P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between ANC providers self-reported knowledge and routine dental referral of pregnant women (P = 0.025). The main barriers for ANC providers in promoting perinatal oral health was lack of practice guidelines and training to perform oral assessments [81% (n = 312)]. Nearly 30% (n = 105) of ANC providers also felt the reluctance of dentists to treat pregnant women was another barrier. Conclusion: The findings suggest that despite current recommendations limited emphasis is being placed on oral health during antenatal care in NSW. Specific training and guidelines in perinatal oral health may need to be developed to support ANC providers in promoting maternal oral health. In addition, the current perception of dentists in this area needs to be further explored to develop consensus.]]