Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Early Prenatal Care.

Overview. To increase perinatal dental health, a significant risk factor for poor maternal health outcomes, dental screening questions can be integrated into prenatal care. Perinatal healthcare providers can improve the referral process for pregnant women for dental care, which may improve access to and utilization of dental care by low-income pregnant women. Research has found that among pregnant women referred for dental care by their prenatal provider, they were more likely to attend the visit and seek care. Incorporating dental referral programs into perinatal care may improve access and utilization of dental care by low-income pregnant women, which can ultimately contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes.[1]

Evidence. Emerging Evidence. Strategies with this rating typically trend positive and have good potential to work. They often have a growing body of recent, but limited research that documents effects. However, further study is needed to confirm effects, determine which types of health behaviors and conditions these interventions address, and gauge effectiveness across different population groups. (Clarifying Note: The WWFH database calls this "mixed evidence").

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source. (Read more about understanding evidence ratings).

Source. Peer-Reviewed Literature

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

• Access to/Receipt of Care. This strategy increases the ability for individuals to obtain healthcare services when needed, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.
• Morbidity Reduction. This strategy addresses factors that can decrease the incidence or prevalence of diseases and illnesses.
• Health and Health Behaviors/Behavior Change. This strategy improves individuals' physical and mental health and their adoption of healthy behaviors (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity).

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Screening (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Individual/Family-Focused

Examples from the Field. There are currently no ESMs that use this strategy. As Title V agencies begin to incorporate this strategy into ESMs, examples will be available here. Until then, you can search for ESMs that have similar intervention components in the ESM database.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the Results-Based Accountability framework (for suggestions on how to develop programs to support this strategy, see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).