Integrating Oral Health into CenteringCare Pregnancy and Parenting
The SMILE project is a collaboration between midwifery, youth health care, dental practices, researchers and parents. Together, we are developing a new approach to improving oral health early in life. We are adding oral care to existing CenteringCare groups for pregnant women and young parents, and developing a new group module for dental practices. This will create continuous, multidisciplinary preventive care that supports parents and helps children grow up healthy.
In the Netherlands, approximately one in four five-year-olds already has cavities in their teeth. Children from families with less money or lower levels of education are more likely to suffer from this. Cavities can lead to pain, embarrassment and problems with eating, sleeping and self-confidence. Early prevention is therefore important. However, oral care does not reach all families. By integrating oral health into existing care such as obstetrics and the health clinic, all parents receive practical tips on brushing teeth and healthy eating in good time.
CenteringZorg is a proven effective and cost-efficient form of group care during pregnancy and in the first years of a child's life. Parents receive information, learn from each other and experience support. SMILE ties in with this by making oral health part of this group care and by developing a similar group module for dental practices.
The project will deliver two concrete products: (1) a discussion module on oral health for CenteringCare groups, including tools and training for professionals, and (2) a group prevention module for dental practices, developed through co-creation and suitable for continuing education. We are testing the approach for feasibility and usability and are drawing up a roadmap for broader application. We expect this integrated group approach to lead to better oral health, healthier behaviour and smaller health disparities between children.
