Comprehensive Care Corner
The role of the hemophilia dentist
Preventing dental problems is an important part of hemophilia care. It is also important to have a dentist who understands your hemophilia needs when performing dental surgery. Many hemophilia centres have a dentist on site, but a family dentist can also work together with your hemophilia treatment centre to ensure you get the right care.
The comprehensive care team usually includes:
- a doctor
- a nurse
- a physiotherapist
- a social worker
Hemophilia Treatment Centres
Many people with hemophilia regularly visit a hemophilia treatment centre (HTC), which can include many or all members of their comprehensive care team. The association of hemophilia clinic doctors recommends adults with hemophilia visit their centre once a year and children with hemophilia twice a year.
Family Members
Family members are also important to comprehensive care, since they can provide many types of support, including emotional support, awareness of bleeds, and care of bleeds when they happen.
You
If you have hemophilia, you are the most important partner in your own care. By being aware of hemophilia, educating yourself, monitoring your condition, and keeping regular healthcare appointments, you control your health and well-being. If you have a child with hemophilia, remember that while your son has many other experts on his comprehensive care team, you are the expert on your son and, with the help of your HTC, you manage his care.
