Maternal-Oral Health Exchange Community of Practice

Overview

A community of practice (CoP) is a collaborative learning approach in which a group of individuals or organizations seeks to learn together or work toward a common goal. CoPs intentionally create space for participants, subject matter experts, and facilitators to co-develop strategies, policies, and best practices through peer-to-peer learning and cross-sector collaboration.

In July 2026, LPHI launched a CoP to bring together oral health and maternal and child health providers to improve outcomes throughout Louisiana. The CoP is guided by a Steering Committee of partner organizations in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Dental Association, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, Ochsner Health, Louisiana Primary Care Association, Xavier University of Louisiana, Birthmark, and Community Birth Companion. 

Through the CoP, LPHI intends to achieve the following outcomes: 

  • Increased integrated prenatal care teams across oral, maternal, and child health

  • Increased use of preventive oral health services in maternal and child health screenings.

  • Earlier identification and management of oral health conditions during and after pregnancy

  • Increased rates of fluoride varnish application in children under two years old

  • Implementation of policy strategies, such as:

    • Higher and sustained use of community water fluoridation

    • Medicaid dental access for pregnant women

Read the Brief - Chew on this: The Importance of Maternal and Child Oral Health Integration

Funded by