Dental Faculty Knowledge, Attitudes, and Willingness to Treat Pregnant Persons at 2 Institutions

While dental faculty's knowledge and attitudes were generally in line with current guidelines for oral care during pregnancy, 1 in 5 UR faculty reported liability concerns. In the combined data set, we found that those with liability concerns were 5 times more unwilling to provide dental care to pregnant persons. Continuing education based on evidence and current guidelines on oral health in pregnant women should be considered necessary but may be insufficient to improve dental care for pregnant women.Knowledge Transfer Statement:In the United States, only about 50% of pregnant persons report a dental visit during this vulnerable time. Dental faculty members transfer their beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to treat pregnant persons to their students. These study results demonstrate that many faculty are unaware of the professional practice guidelines and that knowledge and attitudes affect willingness to treat pregnant persons. Continuing education based on current guidelines for the oral health of pregnant persons is necessary but may be insufficient to affect willingness.