CenteringPregnancySmiles™: Implementation of a Small Group Prenatal Care Model with Oral Health

Abstract

Preterm/low birth weights are the leading perinatal problem in the U.S., and an association between preterm/low birth weight outcomes and oral health has been identified. In response to this, a group prenatal care program--CenteringPregnancySmiles--was implemented in rural Kentucky in 2006. This report describes the model and preliminary outcomes of the CenteringPregnancySmiles program.