Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the United States. If left untreated, it can cause pain, infections, and a loss of confidence, making it difficult for students to eat, sleep, and concentrate in the classroom. Dental pain can lead to missed school days and impact overall health and well-being. The good news is that tooth decay is almost entirely preventable with proper oral health education and good dental hygiene habits!
Free Dental Care Resources for Pregnant Women and New Moms (Indiana Medicaid) in Marion County
Dental health is essential to the overall health of moms and babies. That's why the Indiana Department of Health has launched a teledentistry program in Marion County to serve moms during pregnancy through the baby's first birthday.
You can chat and ask questions through a live video chat with a dental provider, and even share photographs and written information, you'll then be given recommendations to care, that might include a prescription, and appointment with an oral health coach or an in
-person dental visit.
The Indiana Department of Health has partnered with Dentistry.One to provide a simple, no-cost referral pathway for pregnant patients to receive dental care. Insurance is required for clinical services (live video consultation and photo review). There is no limit on these services, but insurance will be billed. If a patient plans to talk to a dentist, they need to have their insurance information when they schedule an appointment.
Free dental services include:
- Preventive Care: Two dental exams and cleanings every 12 months
- Diagnostic Services: Full-mouth or panoramic X-rays
- Restorative Services: Fillings and crowns
- Periodontal Services: Scaling and root planning
- Emergency Care: Services for pain or infection
Click here to connect to care through Dentistry.One
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FOR CLINICIANS: How to get involved
In Indiana, between 2018-2022, 30% of pregnant women did not receive any dental care during pregnancy, even though 86.5% reported knowing the importance of dental care during pregnancy. (Source PRAMS data 2018-2022). Maternal oral health affects pregnancy outcomes and is essential to the overall health of mothers and babies. The program is available during pregnancy and one year postpartum.
The program's goals are to increase the percentage of pregnant women who receive dental care during pregnancy, reduce emergency dental visits and Improve oral health of pregnant women and improve birth outcomes.
Dentistry.One is a virtual dental care service that accepts Indiana Medicaid and provides:
- Virtual consultations with a licensed Indiana dentist
- Care coordination to connect patients with local, in-person dental providers when needed
- Oral health coaching to improve home care during and after pregnancy
To support your practice, Dentistry.One provides free educational materials you can easily share with patients, helping reinforce the importance of oral health during pregnancy and postpartum. Each participating office receives:
- Patient handouts
- Educational posters
- Office table tents
- Wall poster
Here's how to join:
Enrollment is free, quick, and designed to fit seamlessly into your existing workflows.
Click here to receive your Office Education Kit
Thank you for your continued commitment to improving maternal and infant health across Indiana.
