Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Nithya Puttige Ramesh, BDS, MPH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Objectives. Dental problems are exacerbated by physiological changes of pregnancy and lead to obstetric complications. Women with opioid use disorders (OUD), frequently report poor dentition associated with pain and low self-esteem, decreasing quality of life, and creating a barrier to employment and other facilitators of recovery. Understanding the unique needs of this vulnerable population is critical to developing effective and utilizable services.
Methods. Participants in an outpatient substance use treatment program for women in rural New England (n=30) self-administered a two-part survey on status and impact of oral health. We utilized a focus group to better understand the dental care experiences of perinatal women with OUD, explore challenges to optimizing oral health, and elicit women’s perspectives on how to address perceived barriers.
Results. Dental concerns ranged from untreated caries to multiple missing teeth, chronic dental infection, and wisdom tooth impaction. Participants reported moderate to severe impact on daily living including daily pain, difficulty eating, and avoiding smiling. Cost, lack of coverage through state Medicaid programs, stigma, and severe anxiety surrounding dental care were identified barriers to care.
Conclusions. Pregnant women with OUD experience dental problems impacting quality of life and recovery. Programs treating pregnant and parenting women should seek collaborative relationships with dental providers who offer accessible and appropriate dental services. State Medicaid policies should reflect clinical need by expanding coverage of dental services.
