Variations in oral health practice patterns reflect several factors (1;3;22). First, oral health screening and referral are not routinely included in prenatal care. Second, many oral health professionals are hesitant to treat pregnant women. Third, while most children do not visit a dentist until age three, these same children usually have visited a child health professional 11 times for well-child visits during the same time period. Although there are gaps in knowledge, there is sufficient evidence to recommend appropriate oral health care for pregnant women and young children. For these reasons, the New York State Department of Health convened an expert.
