Ask the Docs

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Tony R. Bertolino, Esq. answered common questions about ethical dilemmas, risks, and the business of caring for pregnant women. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Patricia Braun, M.D. (Denver Health) and Rhonda Stokley, DDS (Texas Department of State Health Services) discussed medical/dental referral workflows for pregnant patients. Moderated by Monica Anderson, DDS (Sun Life DentaQuest), they answered questions and provided insights about how to establish a referral process. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Kia Carter, M.D., Lisa M. Elliott, PhD., and Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C explored how dental and medical providers can work together to address the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women. The mental health of the mother can impact her baby's future health.  

Resource:

• Postpartum Support International

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 

Meera S. Beharry, M.D. FAAP, FSAHM (Adolescent Medicine Consulting, LLC) and Shanna Combs, M.D., FACOG (Cook Children's Pediatric Gynecology) talked about the issues pregnant teens face, and the importance of engaging adolescents in their medical and oral health journey before, during, and after pregnancy. They discussed:

• Strategies for supporting pregnant teens as they transition from pediatric to adult medical and dental care; 
• Doctor/teen confidential consult, rights of minors, parental consent, and questions to ask;
• Stigmas as a barrier to care; and
• Tips for creating a teen friendly environment. 

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Shanna M. Combs, MD, FACOG (Cook Children's) and Rhonda Stokley, DDS (Texas Department of State Health Services) discussed the link between oral health and overall health during pregnancy and how a mother's oral health impacts baby.

Resources:

• Oral Health Checklist for both dental and prenatal providers (PDF)
• Dental Referral Form for Pregnant Women (PDF)

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Andrea Palmer, MD, FACOG (Fenom Women's Care) and Tonya Fuqua, DDS (Cook Children's) discussed the safety of routine dental care for pregnant patients including use of x-rays, pain medications, and local anesthesia. Questions regarding the COVID-19 virus and vaccines were also addressed.

Resources:

• Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: Guidance for Texas Prenatal and Dental Providers (PDF)
• Dental Pharmacological Considerations  (PDF)
• DSHS COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy Poster -  English (PDF)/Spanish (PDF)