Abstract
BACKGROUND: Educational programs for pregnant women delivered by dentists and midwives would prevent oral disorders in mothers and also impact the dental health of offspring. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of an antenatal dental health education program on maternal and neonatal outcomes among Egyptian primigravida women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS RESEARCH DESIGN: A quasi-experimental research design was carried out. Subjects: 108 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria. The sample size was two equal groups and divided into two groups (case and control). SETTING: The study was conducted at the prenatal clinic at Zagazig University Hospital. TOOLS OF DATA COLLECTION: The following four tools were used to achieve the study's purpose: a structured interview questionnaire; a scale for assessing knowledge, practice, and attitude; and an outcome checklist for tracking mother and baby outcomes throughout labor. In addition, prenatal education classes were held to enhance the pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: According to the study's findings, women who participated in the dental education program had statistically significant positive knowledge, practices, and attitudes compared with those in the control group. In the case group, pregnancy outcomes were good and improved after attending the dental health program more than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Designing and implementing an educational program on antenatal oral health had a significant effect on improving pregnancy outcomes. RECOMMENDATION: An awareness educational program about dental care associated with pregnancy was necessary to be recommended.