About this study
Children who get bone marrow (stem cell) transplants often live many years after cancer. This treatment may harm the teeth and mouth while children are still growing. Some children have cavities, dry mouth, sore gums, or tooth pain. Many need dental services more often than other children who have not had bone marrow transplants. Some families have trouble getting this care. This study is needed to understand dental health and dental care after stem cell transplant.
This study includes children and teens who had stem cell transplants at least 2 years ago for childhood cancer. The patient will take part when they are at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for a regular dental visit. This study does not test a new drug or treatment. It only collects information.
During the dental visit, dentists will review medical and dental records. They will look at results from dental exams and x-rays that were already part of a patient’s normal care. Parents or caregivers will answer questions about dental and medical visits, and dental health. Patients age 8 and older will answer questions about how their teeth and mouth affect daily life. Some patients may choose to take a short smell test.
The goal of this study is to learn more about common dental problems and possible barriers to dental care after stem cell transplant. The study looks at how these dental problems may affect daily life and dental visits. This may help dentists find dental problems early, so families get the dental care their children need. Results from this study may help dentists improve dental care for future children who had a stem cell transplant.
Eligibility overview
- Children ages 6–17 years and their parents or caregivers
- Children who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants at least 2 years ago
- Live in the United States and receive dental follow-up at St. Jude
- English or Spanish speaker