Less Than Half of Youths with Sickle Cell Disease Access Dental Care in 2022

A recent study highlighted a concerning gap in dental healthcare for young individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD). In 2022, only 42% of youths with SCD received any dental services, including preventive care and treatments, according to a publication in JAMA Network Open. Researchers from the RAND Corporation analyzed data from Michigan Medicaid enrollees aged 1 to 20 years, comparing those with SCD to the broader Medicaid population. The findings revealed that while the overall rates of dental service utilization were similar between the two groups—around 42-44%—specific age groups, such as children aged 6 to 14, were less likely to receive necessary dental care. This indicates potential disparities and areas for improvement in healthcare access for young people with SCD.

According to Ashley Kranz, Ph.D., the study emphasizes the importance of enhancing dental care accessibility for children with sickle cell disease. She advocates for better training for dentists to handle SCD-specific needs and more awareness among healthcare providers about the crucial role of oral health in managing the condition. Addressing these gaps can improve overall health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

The study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions and policies to ensure equitable dental healthcare access for youths with sickle cell disease, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life. The research also calls for increased collaboration between medical and dental professionals to better serve children managing this chronic illness.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-youths-sickle-cell-dental.html