Barriers To Dental Care In Children With Hemophilia In China

To evaluate the oral health status, dental care experiences, and parental attitudes toward dental treatment among children with hemophilia in China. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted and parents of children and adolescents with hemophilia A or B were recruited. A total of 125 valid questionnaires were obtained. 55.2% (69 children) had visited a dentist, and 30.4% (21 children) of them had been denied dental care due to their hemophilia. 45.6% (57 parents) reported that their children had experienced dental pain in the past 12 months, but 26.3% (15 parents) did not seek dental treatment, primarily because they considered the dental issues not severe and believed that primary teeth would eventually fall out, making treatment unnecessary. Among the 125 surveyed parents, 18.4% (23 parents) chose to conceal their child's hemophilia history when visiting a dentist, mainly due to concerns about being denied treatment. Additionally, even with standardized treatment guidelines, 40% (50 parents) of them distrusted dentists unfamiliar with hemophilia to provide appropriate dental care for their children based on the guidelines. This study reveals significant gaps in oral health awareness and access to dental care among children with hemophilia in China. To address these challenges, educational interventions for parents and enhanced training for dental professionals are needed.