Abstract: Abstract Objective To elucidate the demand of pregnant women for the knowledge of oral health and dental care .Method A cross-sectional survey was carried out in three main women’s hospitals in Hangzhou, viz., 1) Women’s Hospital, Medical College, Zhejiang University; 2) Center for Disease Prevention and Control & Women and Children’s Healthcare of Gongshu District; 3) Center for Women and Children’s Healthcare of Jiang’an District from December 2010 to May 2011. The chi-square test was used to analyze the results. Results Within the six months, we distributed 2,500 questionnaires and received 2,263. 89.8% of the respondents thought it necessary to introduce the knowledge of prenatal oral care during pregnancy, and 92.4% of the respondents felt the necessity of introducing the knowledge of infant oral care during pregnancy. The demand for the knowledge related to the newborn and maternity was significantly correlated with their age, education and household income (p<0.05). But the demand for participating in the training of oral health knowledge was not significantly correlated with age, education and annual household income (p>0.05). The findings showed that the majority of the pregnant women hoped to obtain the knowledge directly through dental professionals. Maternal schools and brochures are relatively easier to be accepted by the pregnant women. Conclusions We can establish a number of pertinent educational programs for pregnant women for education and guidance in more suitable places.

Key words: pregnant, oral health, cross-sectional survey