A program to improve the oral health of pregnant Native Hawaiian women and their children has received a $100,000 grant from the HMSA Foundation.

The grant will support a demonstration project at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

The program will provide educational sessions and oral health examinations for third- and seventh-grade students, and women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, at Maui schools, churches and health fairs, while providing hands-on training for UH-Maui College students.

"Developing a healthy, dental routine starts at an early age and that’s why it’s so important to reach out to young mothers and their children," says Mark Forman, executive administrator of the HMSA Foundation, in a statement. "Through this program, students from the UH-Maui College will be providing a service while helping our keiki develop good habits to last a lifetime."

The women and children will also receive screening for blood pressure.