Dental care is often overlooked—but for people living with sickle cell disease or carrying the sickle cell trait, it can be a critical part of staying healthy and preventing serious complications. In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Blood, Sweat, and Cells: Real Talk About Sickle Cell Disease, host Valerie Pearson Bey sits down with Linda Chandler Jacobs, registered dental hygienist, educator, advocate, and founder of The Potter’s Smile, the only 501(c)(3) dental practice in the U.S. dedicated to serving patients with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
With more than 50 years of experience—and lived experience as someone who carries the sickle cell trait herself—Linda explains how oral health is deeply connected to overall health. She shares why hydration, infection prevention, medication disclosure, and coordination with hematologists are essential; why extractions and implants can pose serious risks; and why patients must advocate for themselves by informing and even interviewing their dental providers. This episode is a must-listen for sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who want to understand how informed dental care can help prevent pain crises, infections, and long-term complications.
🎧 Tune in to learn how protecting your smile can help protect your whole body—and why dental knowledge can be lifesaving.
For information about The Potter’s Smile oe to send them an email with questions about dental care for patients with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait.Â
visit https://www.thepotterssmile.org
The Inova Adult Sickle Cell Center recommends The Nova Dental Clinic  novadentalclinic.org
for persons living in Northern Virginia
