The Chemung County Perinatal Dental Coalition.

This is a preliminary report on the formation and function of a countywide program to facilitate access to periodontal evaluation and care for pregnant women over a three-year period. In Chemung County, all obstetrical deliveries take place at one hospital and all supportive services are located either at the hospital or at or near the County Health Department. The Article 28 dental clinic is also at the Health Department. The statistics for this county for years 2000-2002 for pre-term, low birth weight (PT/LBW) newborns were among the highest in New York State and higher than the national average. For about $3,000 a year, the Perinatal Dental Coalition promotes improved oral health for pregnant women and instructs them on the oral care of their newborns. With improved periodontal care of pregnant women, future analysis will determine the effect on PT/LBW statistics for the county. It is hoped that other counties and communities can duplicate and improve on this coalition.