Medicaid Dental Benefits and Disparities in Preventive Oral Care and Unmet Needs Among Pregnant Women by Race/Ethnicity
By
Cilia E. Zayas
Sarah H. Gordon
Hawazin W. Elani
Astha Singhal
March 24, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Medicaid Dental Benefits and Disparities in Preventive Oral Care and Unmet Needs Among Pregnant Women by Race/Ethnicity
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Pregnancy-related dental care access Key Mechanisms Medicaid dental benefits influence dental care utilization and access Target Population Medicaid-enrolled pregnant women Care Setting Community and state-based healthcare systems
Key Highlights
Only 28% of Medicaid-enrolled pregnant women received a dental cleaning during pregnancy. Racial and ethnic disparities exist in dental care access among pregnant women. States with Medicaid dental coverage have higher rates of dental cleanings during pregnancy. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess oral health status during prenatal visits. Management
Encourage regular dental cleanings to reduce periodontal disease risk. Monitoring & Follow-up
Track dental care utilization rates among pregnant women. Risks
Poor oral health is linked to adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Patient & Prescribing Data
Low-income, racially and ethnically diverse pregnant women
Medicaid dental benefits are associated with increased dental care access.
Clinical Best Practices
Implement state policies that enhance Medicaid dental coverage for pregnant women. Address cost barriers to dental care for low-income populations. Related Resources & Content
