What is PHWP?
Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby!
KinderSmile Foundation’s 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, personalized, and culturally sensitive education 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 (up to 3 years postpartum)
-Willing to attend 1 oral health education session
Eligible mothers qualify for dental care including a comprehensive 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 serves communities throughout Essex and Mercer counties and collaborates with more than 80 organizations across New Jersey to successfully reach the at-risk perinatal community. PHWP also provides educational sessions to maternal health workers, including doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, and OB-GYNs. These partnerships promote medical-dental integration and raise awareness 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)
