Racial/Ethnic Differences in Receipt of Dental Cleanings During Pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: We aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in receipt of dental cleanings during pregnancy, overall and by health insurance type, using 2016-2018 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey data from 39 states and New York City.

Methods: We used a weighted linear probability model to estimate receipt of a dental cleaning during pregnancy. Key explanatory variables included race/ethnicity (Hispanic, White, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander (API), and other racial groups) and health insurance type (Medicaid, private, and other).

Results: Among a weighted sample of 5,301,753 individuals, 45.9% received a dental cleaning during pregnancy. Regression-adjusted predicted rates of dental cleanings were significantly higher among White than non-White individuals, with the lowest rates observed among Black (43.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.6%-45.9%) and API individuals (30.6%; 95% CI, 28.5%-32.7%). When comparing rates by health insurance type, adjusted rates were highest among privately insured White individuals (57.4%; 95% CI, 56.1%-58.7%) and lowest among Medicaid-enrolled API individuals (25.4%; 95% CI, 21.5%-29.2%).

Conclusions: Fewer than one-half of pregnant individuals received dental cleanings, with the lowest rates observed for non-White individuals and Medicaid-enrolled individuals. Efforts are needed to increase dental visits among publicly insured, Black, Hispanic, and API pregnant individuals.