Pregnant Women Getting Free Dental Care

Thanks to a new program, pregnant women receiving services from Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will have access to free dental care.

The new program administered through the Aroostook County Action Program, which is a member of the Aroostook County Health Network (ACHN), will allow the woman receiving WIC services access to the free dental care at ACAP’s Early Care and Education center located at 44 Park Street.

ACAP Program Coordinator Rachelle Roy says most people don't realize that oral health affects the whole body and if not taken care of, it can cause very significant problems, especially during pregnancy. "Physiological changes during pregnancy may also result in noticeable changes in the oral cavity,” Roy adds the hope of the program is to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and provide education about proper oral health care and its benefits.

Pregnant women, according to the American Dental Association are more likely to develop gingivitis. Low birth weight and premature births could be consequences of some oral health conditions.

Current pregnant WIC clients can call the ACAP WIC office to schedule a dental appointment. Pregnant women who are interested in receiving WIC and getting access to this program should contact the ACAP WIC office at (207) 768-3026, ext. 5 to receive more information or to schedule an appointment.