• A search of the Embase® and PubMed® databases as well as professional society websites identified no primary research studies or systematic reviews that evaluated the effect of dental care on sickle cell disease (SCD) treatment outcomes.
• Three clinical practice guidelines and two reviews with consensus-based recommendations for dental care for SCD patients were identified and reviewed.
• Preventive care and patient education were recommended to minimize the likelihood of oral infections, periodontal disease, and major dental procedures.
• Both reviews recommended that patients’ stress and anxiety status be assessed prior to dental treatments. Further, a complete blood count should be evaluated before invasive dental procedures, because SCD patients may be at higher risk for infection.
• No primary research evidence was available to conclude the appropriate timing for SCD patients to receive dental care in order to optimize the effectiveness of SCD treatments.
• A multidisciplinary approach involving close coordination between dental service providers and a hematologist/sickle cell disease specialist was recommended to ensure that SCD patients receive comprehensive treatments.
• All recommendations were aimed at the management of SCD during dental services, not incorporating dental care as a strategy to improve SCD treatment.

Yu WW, Reddy T, Barnhart M. Dental Care for People With Sickle Cell Disease: A Rapid Response Literature Review. Rapid Response. (Prepared by International Consulting Associates, Inc., under Contract No. 75Q80124P00001.) AHRQ Publication No. 24-EHC021. Rockville, MD; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; July 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCRAPID_DENTAL_SICKLECELL. Posted final reports are located on the Effective Health Care Program search page.