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Maternal and Child Oral Health Programs
The Office of Women’s Health and Family Services implements the Maternal and Child Health Services Title V Block grant. This Grant is responsible for the health and well-being of all Illinois mothers, infants, children and their families.
MCH priorities are to assure the accessibility of quality primary care for all women and particularly to women of reproductive age. MCH provides support to women for healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes, it also supports expanded access to integration of early childhood services systems.
MCH works to facilitate integration of services within patient centered medical homes for all children, including those with special needs. There is equality of all MCH decisions to eliminate disparities. MCH also offers expanded access to mental health and substance use services.
The perinatal period begins at conception and ends two months after delivery. It is a unique time during a woman’s life and is characterized by complex physiological changes that may adversely affect oral health. Several factors play a part in the oral health of women during this period, including the ability to access and utilize care; financing; knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; and workforce preparedness and willingness to serve this population. This Resource Guide and Toolkit provides specific ways to improve the oral health status of individuals of childbearing age, pregnant persons, and for babies to the young child. These resources have been gathered from national, state, and local experts and have been modified for use in Illinois.
Flip Charts
MCH flipcharts on oral health topics and oral health instructions are available upon request. This is an excellent educational tool to use with any program promoting oral health to mothers, infants and children. For more information, please contact the Division of Oral Health at 217.785.4899, 800.547.4899 TTY (hearing impaired), or at DPH.oralhealth@Illinois.gov
