By Julie Kennedy Thirty years ago, my family began the journey called, “life with ectodermal dysplasia.” We didn’t know it at the time, but my husband had tooth and nail syndrome. Many in his family had it, but it was just shrugged off as weird shaped and missing teeth, a “Kennedy Thing.” It was not discussed…
Tips for Finding a Doctor or Dentist
When you have a rare disorder like ectodermal dysplasia, it’s not easy to find a doctor or dentist who has a lot of experience in treating the condition. Some may go their whole career and never see a patient with ectodermal dysplasia. The process can be frustrating and time-consuming for you. Consider working with a…
If You Suspect Ectodermal Dysplasia
We know that you may have found the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) after searching for your own or a loved one’s symptoms. If you suspect you or your loved one is affected by ectodermal dysplasia, the next step is to find a doctor who can formally diagnose you. Find a Doctor Contact…
Information To Take to Your Doctor or Dentist
When you have a rare genetic disorder like ectodermal dysplasia, it’s possible that you will know more about your condition than a doctor or dentist. We know that it can be frustrating for you when you are the one seeking answers. With thousands of rare disorders, it’s not reasonable to assume a care provider will know…
What A 10-Year Old Girl With HED Wants Her Dentists to Know
The following is a speech delivered by 10-year old Allison at a Dental Pathology Class in the Dental Hygienist Program at Des Moines Area Community College. She and her mother, Jenny, presented at the class for Ectodermal Dysplasias Awareness Month. Hi everyone, my name is Allison. I am a 4th grader in Iowa. My parents tell me that…
8 Things You Should Expect From Your Dental Care Team
The oral manifestations of the ectodermal dysplasias are often complex, and affected individuals might benefit from a team approach to evaluation and planning for treatment. Do not accept all team members as being equally trained and experienced. Ask questions… about the training of key individuals on the team; about the format for team meetings; about…