Investigating the role and contribution of professional organizations in establishing routine oral health care within standard ante-natal care in Nepal

Introduction: Maternal oral health care remains a pressing global public health concern, with significant implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and miscarriage. Despite this, the integration of oral health into routine Maternal and Newborn Health services is largely ignored, particularly in low-resource settings such as Nepal. This study aimed to investigate the roles played by the Nepal Dental Association, Nepal Medical Association, Perinatal Society of Nepal, General Practitioner Association of Nepal, and Ministry of Health and Population in promoting the integration of oral health care into standard perinatal care. Additionally, it sought to identify the factors that have either facilitated or hindered these organizations' involvement in this effort. The objective was to assess healthcare professionals' awareness, their respective associations' engagement, and their views on incorporating oral health into routine antenatal care. Method: Information was collected through semi-structured key informant interviews with 14 stakeholders representing professional organizations, including the NDA, NMA, PESON, MoHP, and GPAN. The collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis method.Findings: This study highlighted significant gaps in awareness and practice regarding prenatal oral health among healthcare professionals in Nepal. Limited engagement from professional organizations was noted in promoting policies and practices for integrating oral healthcare into routine perinatal care. It revealed systemic deficiencies in national healthcare policies and the need for curriculum reforms to address educational shortcomings in dental health. Financial constraints and the privatization of dental services further hindered the integration of oral health into routine antenatal care, exacerbating disparities in access to care, particularly in rural areas.Conclusion: Addressing the gaps in the engagement of professional associations in the integration of oral healthcare into perinatal care in Nepal calls for increased advocacy, collaboration, and systemic improvements including enhanced referral networks, revised policies, and updated curricula. Additionally, better financial resource allocation and prioritizing preventive measures such as awareness campaigns and counselling are crucial.