Treating the Pregnant Dental Patient

COURSE SUMMARY:  Oral Health is important across all lifespans and particularly during pregnancy. Treatment involves “two patients” and all considered treatment must provide a benefit to the mother while minimizing risk to the fetus. Oral disease is implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Oral disease in the mother can lead to Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in her child. Managing oral health during pregnancy is vital to both mother and child. Optimal oral health and dental treatment protects and promotes the woman’s health and quality of life before, during, and after pregnancy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Appreciate the significance of oral health anerd healthy pregnancies.
• Recognize physiologic changes in pregnancy and considerations in dental treatment.
• Understand medication safety and risks in pregnant and lactating women.
• Know common oral health conditions during pregnancy.
• Analyze safety and indications for anesthesia and radiographs during pregnancy