KinderSmile Perinatal Health & Wellness Program
PHWP

KinderSmile Perinatal Health & Wellness Program

What is PHWP?

Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby!

KinderSmile Perinatal Health and Wellness Program (PHWP) breaks the dangerous cycle of untreated dental diseases by empowering uninsured and Medicaid-insured mothers from pregnancy and up to 3 years postpartum, with informative, personal, and culturally sensitive training about the importance of oral health and its impact on the developing fetus and young children. 

Upon completion of our training program, qualified mothers can earn free adult dental care to restore their smiles at one of our Dental Homes!

In order to participate, moms must be:

-Uninsured OR Medicaid-Insured

-Pregnant OR recently gave birth (3 years postpartum)

-Willing to attend 1 oral health education session

Eligible mothers qualify for free dental care including dental exam, cleaning, and follow up treatments proposed by the dentist. Mothers become financially responsible once grant funds are expended, or starting with their recall appointment. Dental care at KinderSmile Foundation is offered at a significantly discounted rate for families.

The program includes a crucial link to a permanent Dental Home for mothers and their children, to ensure continuity of care.

The Perinatal Health and Wellness Program in Mercer and Essex counties collaborates with more than 80 organizations throughout the state of New Jersey, in order to successfully reach the at-risk perinatal community. Educational sessions are provided to maternal health workers such as doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, and OBGyns, to promote medical-dental integration, and raise awareness of the fact that dental health during pregnancy is safe, effective, and recommended!

If you are interested in being a part of the Perinatal Health & Wellness Program or would like to request more information, please fill out this form or call 973-744-7003 (option #1 for Trenton) / (option #2 for Bloomfield)

Topics explored in our oral health curriculum

  • Impact of maternal oral health on the developing fetus

  • Changes in oral health during pregnancy and how to address

  • Common misconceptions about maternal oral health care during pregnancy

  • Caries disease transmission from caregivers to infants and toddlers

  • Effects of Early Childhood Caries

  • Age-appropriate daily oral care for infants and toddlers

  • Breastfeeding and oral health

  • Benefits of fluoride varnish and supplements for children living in non-fluoridated areas

  • Importance of good nutrition

For more information, please email nveale@kindersmile.org

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#ItTakesAVillage to eradicate dental disease!

Volunteer your time or donate today to bring healthy smiles to those in need!

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