Hong Kong Children's Hospital

Joint Dental & Genetics Clinic

Joint Dental & Genetics Clinic

The Joint Dental & Genetics Clinic is a one-stop combined clinic for patients and families with undiagnosed or inherited conditions affecting the mouth, face, and teeth. This multidisciplinary clinic comprises of dentists, clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors and nurses. Referrals are welcomed from dentists and physicians in both private and public sectors. The clinic aims to provide appropriate clinical evaluations, genetic testing, and genetic counselling when necessary, and to advise subsequent follow-up and treatment.

Is dental disease hereditary?

Numerous studies have established that gene mutations contribute to the development of various dental and maxillofacial anomalies. There is a possibility that these disorders run in families or are unique to only one family member. While certain conditions can manifest at birth, others may develop over time.

Substantiating a genetic cause enables healthcare professionals to manage patients in a more personalized manner. With a genetic diagnosis, we may be able to pinpoint a definitive cause for rare diseases, have a better understanding of the pathophysiology, detect subtle manifestations earlier, provide guidance on monitoring potential complications, and offer precise genetic counselling for family planning and prenatal diagnosis / preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Occasionally, individuals have rare genetic findings that may influence dental and facial development in an unknown manner. A detailed clinical examination in our joint clinic will help us decide whether the genetic findings can account for the individual’s symptoms. Despite the fact that there is not always an identifiable genetic cause for certain diseases, we are learning more about what causes them.

Dental conditions with possible genetic causes include:

• Amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta
• Cleft lip / cleft palate
• Delayed tooth growth
• Extra teeth (supernumerary teeth)
• Hypodontia
• Malocclusion
• Dentofacial anomalies
• Other conditions that may affect the teeth (skeletal disorders, inborn errors of metabolism, syndromal diagnosis etc)

*This list is not exhaustive. If you have any dental conditions with suspected genetic cause, please contact your doctor.

Specialist medical team includes:

• Dentists
• Clinical Geneticists
• Genetic Counsellors
• Nurses

Seeking professional evaluation

Before and / or during your consultation at our Joint Dental & Genetics Clinic, our dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination, with appropriate tools or instruments, which is essential to determine whether genetic tests are appropriate for the affected individual. Genetic assessments and genetic counselling are provided by a team of specialized health professionals. Together, these professionals provide information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. Genetic counselling provides you with information about genetic conditions that may affect you or your child, as well as other family members.

Preparation for the appointment

1. It is recommended that both you and your partner (or legal guardian if applicable) accompany your child to the appointment if he or she is under 18
2. Gather your personal and family medical history
3. Bring along any medical records related to your concerns
4. Bring a list of questions and concerns
5. Bring personal identification document of the patient (e.g. HKID card, HK birth certificate or passport). If the patient is under 18, personal identification documents of the parents / guardians (e.g. HKID card or passport) are required

For further enquires, you may contact us.
Department of Clinical Genetics
Address: Specialist Outpatient Clinic, 1/F Tower B, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, 1 Shing Cheong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Office Tel: 5741 3186
HKCH DCG and DMF – GGJ5
JAN 2025