How pregnancy dental benefits affect dental care for mothers and their young children

Impact of Pregnancy Dental Benefits on Dental Care Utilization among Pregnant Women and Young Children

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-11045645

This study looks at how having dental coverage through Medicaid while pregnant can help moms get more dental care and improve the oral health of their kids, making it easier for families to avoid more serious dental problems later on.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045645 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of Medicaid dental benefits for pregnant women on their dental care utilization and the subsequent oral health of their children. It aims to understand how these benefits can increase dental visits and preventive care, potentially reducing the need for restorative treatments in young children. By analyzing data from dental claims and reported visits, the study will assess whether providing dental coverage during pregnancy leads to better oral health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who are eligible for Medicaid and their children under the age of 11.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have children under 11 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health for pregnant women and their children, reducing the incidence of dental issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving access to dental care during pregnancy can lead to better health outcomes for mothers and children, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Irvine, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.