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Comparing Dental Deeds in Sickle Cell Disease and Healthy Children

201 - Comparing Dental Needs in Sickle Cell Disease and Healthy Children

Friday, May 23, 2025
4:40 PM - 5:00 PM MDT
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Parnian Salehi, DDS (she/her/hers)

    Pediatric dental resident
    University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
    University of Rochester-Eastman Institute for Oral Health
    Rochester, New York, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • CF

    Changyong Feng, PhD

    University of Rochester

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • Cynthia Wong, DMD, MS

    Chair Department of Pediatric Dentistry
    EIOH
    Rochester, New York, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Isamar Rivera-Ramos, DMD, PhD

    Residency Program Director, Department of Pediatric dentistry
    EIOH
    Eastman Institute for Oral Health-University of Rochester Medical Center
    Rochester, New York, United States

Introduction:
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder affecting hemoglobin synthesis, leading to systemic complications, including oral health issues. Patients with one defective gene have Sickle Cell Trait (SCT), while those with both defective genes develop SCD. Due to increased oral health risks, children with SCD require modified dental treatment plans, emphasizing regular dental exams, fluoride treatment, and routine care.

Purpose:
This study compares the dental needs and treatment compliance of children with SCD to healthy ASA I children, paired by gender, ethnicity, and age, in three categories:
• Emergency dental visits
• Routine dental care compliance
• Dental operating room (OR) referrals

Additionally, SCT patients were analyzed to determine if their dental needs align more closely with SCD or healthy patients.

Methods:
From 1/1/2014 to 9/30/2024, chart reviews identified 52 SCD, and 159 SCT patients. Therefore 211 healthy patients were selected as controls. Patients were followed for five years, with data analysis using ANOVA, Tukey’s, Pearson’s chi-square, and Fisher tests.

Results:
SCD patients had significantly more emergency visits (0.6±0.87 vs. 0.38±0.68, P=.001) and restorative appointments (1.27±1.29 vs. 0.91±1.14, P=.03) than healthy patients. Recall and OR visit rates were similar, and difference was not significant. Insurance status (Medicaid, P=.04) was a significant factor, however. Notably, 25% of SCD patients' first dental visit was an emergency, compared to 2% of healthy patients (P <.0001).

Conclusion:
This study highlights the increased dental care burden for SCD patients, particularly in emergency and restorative treatment, with many seeking their first visit due to urgent issues. Despite comparable recall and OR visit rates, they often face greater barriers to preventive care. Similar challenges exist in medical care, where social determinants—such as limited transportation, poor employment support, and housing or food insecurity—hinder appointment adherence. Integrating proactive dental care into SCD management and fostering collaboration among pediatricians, hematologists, and dental professionals is essential for comprehensive care.