Updated: March 25, 2026

Taking care of your mouth is important before and during pregnancy. Tooth decay and gum disease are infections that can affect you and your baby. Good prenatal care includes care of the mother's teeth and gums. It is safe to visit the dentist while you are pregnant.

It is important to:

Nine Months to Get Ready gives detailed information related to pregnancy. Topics include: fetal development, how a woman's body changes during pregnancy, tips for a healthy pregnancy, how to prepare for delivery, and breastfeeding.

Oral Health Lesson Plans/Teaching Tools

• Overview of Supplemental Oral Health Curricula for Preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd and 7th Grade (pdf)

The State Oral Health Plan was developed under the leadership of DPH's Division of Oral Health and its advisory council and coalition. It was facilitated by an external evaluator at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Services Policy and Management. It is a living document, not intended to sit on a shelf. Many people and organizations collaborated on the plan, all with the same aim - to help South Carolinians have healthy mouths as well as healthy bodies.

Oral Health Resources for Health Care Professionals

DOH has gathered resources for health care professionals to address dental care access. These resources are intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and others in any clinical setting.

Immunization Requirements

• School and Day Care Immunization Requirements
• School Immunization Documentation

Laws Related To School Nursing Practice

Resources from the CDC

• Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings, 2003, MMWR, December 19, 2003:52(RR-17)
• Slide Presentation of Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings

1. The Community Guide Branch, Epidemiology Analysis Program Office (EAPO), Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (OSELS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
The Community Guide and the Clinical Guide provide evidence-based recommendations and findings about what works to improve public health. Please access the following links:

Monitoring dental care access and oral health status data is important to the people of South Carolina, to public and private oral and primary health care providers, to government agencies, and to those working in oral health prevention. The South Carolina Oral Health Program’s Oral Health Surveillance System is dedicated to: