Dental Treatment Characteristics in Pediatric Patients with Rare Diseases at Asan Medical Center: A Three-Year Analysis

This study evaluated dental treatment patterns and the need for early intervention in pediatric patients with rare diseases. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 922 patients who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Asan Medical Center between January 2022 and December 2024. Patients were classified into six groups according to World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes: congenital abnormalities, nervous system diseases, hematologic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases, and miscellaneous disorders. Demographic data, disability, chief complaints, treatment modalities, and sedation methods were extracted and analyzed using chi-square tests, descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Significant differences were observed in the age at first dental visit, use of sedation, and treatment types across the groups. Patients with nervous system diseases exhibited higher rates of inpatient general anesthesia (OR = 4.160), whereas those with cardiovascular diseases were more likely to receive non-sedation treatments (OR = 3.550). The frequency of preventive procedures, such as fluoride application and sealant placement, also varied by group. Children with rare diseases tended to initiate dental care at a delayed stage, increasing the risk of dental caries progression that may require more invasive treatment. System-level interventions and public health policies are essential to address these disparities, as reliance solely on caregivers is insufficient to ensure timely and equitable access to preventive dental care.