Developing an Oral Health Integration Model for Maternal and Child Health Services in Kwara State

Integrating oral health screening and education into existing maternal and child health platforms is a cost-effective strategy for improving dental health in populations with low dental service utilisation in North Central Nigeria. This study developed an oral health integration model for MCH services in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. A professional model development methodology was applied, with structured consultations conducted with 18 MCH nurses, 6 dental officers, and 10 health programme managers, alongside review of WHO Oral Health Guidelines for Maternity and Child Health Services and assessment of current MCH-dental service linkages across four LGAs in Ilorin. Assessment confirmed that oral health screening was absent from all MCH visits at assessed facilities, that no referral pathway existed between MCH and dental units, and that dental officers were unaware of the immunisation and child health schedules that could provide integration opportunities. The model developed specifies oral health content at each MCH contact point: oral hygiene counselling at first antenatal visit, gingival assessment at 16 weeks, fluoride varnish application for children at 6- and 12-month immunisation visits, and dental referral for identified problems. Training requirements for MCH nurses in basic oral health assessment are specified. Expert review by ten oral health and MCH integration specialists confirmed the model's implementation feasibility. Recommendations include piloting the model in eight PHC facilities across four Kwara LGAs and evaluating caries rates at 24 months post-integration.

Keywords: oral health integration, maternal and child health, Kwara State, antenatal oral health, preventive dentistry