Coordinated Dental Care Improves Safety for Patients with Bleeding Disorders
Dental care can be challenging, and sometimes risky, for individuals with bleeding disorders. Routine procedures such as cleanings, extractions, or root canals can lead to serious bleeding complications if they are not carefully planned. Unfortunately, limited awareness among dental providers often results in delayed treatment or, in some cases, denial of care altogether.
Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG), a hemophilia treatment center and nonprofit organization, has been addressing this gap through a coordinated, multidisciplinary model that brings together dentists, hygienists, hematologists, pharmacists, and patients themselves. New outcome data from this program demonstrates that when dental care is carefully planned and supported by evidence-based interventions, patients with bleeding disorders can safely receive the dental treatment they need.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Dental Safety
The HoG model begins when a patient or dentist notifies the hemophilia treatment center (HTC) that a dental procedure is needed. From there, the HTC develops an individualized treatment plan and shares it with the dentist, patient, and HoG clinical and pharmacy teams. These teams then help coordinate medications, infusion support, and post-procedure follow-up and treatments.
Evidence-based strategies commonly used in these plans include antifibrinolytic medications, desmopressin (DDAVP), and intravenous factor replacement. These interventions are tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and the type of dental procedure being performed, ensuring both safety and feasibility.
After the procedure, patients complete any required post-treatment steps and report unresolved bleeding to both the dentist and HTC. If complications arise, the HTC evaluates and manages them promptly.
Strong Results Over Three Years
Over the past three years, HoG, as part of the multidisciplinary team, successfully coordinated a total of 143 dental procedures for patients with bleeding disorders. This included:
- 35 procedures in 2023
- 55 procedures in 2024
- 53 procedures in 2025
The procedures ranged from routine dental cleanings to more complex interventions such as tooth extractions, root canals, wisdom teeth removal, fillings, and implants or crowns. Patients represented a range of diagnoses, including von Willebrand disease, hemophilia A, and hemophilia B.
In 2025, outcomes were confirmed and closely tracked for 20 patients, offering valuable insight into real-world safety. Of those patients:
• 19 experienced no complications
• 1 patient had a delayed hematoma, which was successfully managed with drainage and additional factor infusion
Why This Matters
These findings reinforce a critical message: multidisciplinary collaboration works. When dentists partner with hematology teams and follow structured, evidence-based treatment plans, the risk of bleeding complications drops dramatically. This model not only enhances patient safety but also expands access to routine dental care for a population that has historically faced barriers.
Dentists play a vital role in this success. By engaging early with hemophilia treatment centers and working as part of a coordinated care team, dental providers can ensure their patients receive timely, safe, and effective treatment—without unnecessary delays or cancellations.
Looking Ahead
As awareness of this coordinated model grows, there is significant opportunity to improve oral health outcomes for patients with bleeding disorders across Georgia and beyond. Continued collaboration, education, and data tracking will be essential to expanding access and maintaining high standards of care.
For more information about coordinated dental care for patients with bleeding disorders, providers and patients are encouraged to contact Hemophilia of Georgia’s clinical team at 770-518-8272.