Letters to the editor

7q11.23 duplication syndrome is a rare genetic condition associated with developmental, behavioural, and sensory challenges that can complicate dental care. This letter highlights the difficulties in managing communication, cooperation, and oral hygiene in affected patients. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, early recognition, and tailored preventive strategies. Greater awareness among dental professionals, including general and paediatric dentists, is essential to improve care delivery.

7q11.23 duplication syndrome results from duplication of a segment on chromosome 7, encompassing the Williams–Beuren syndrome region. Patients with this syndrome commonly exhibit significant developmental delays, speech and language impairments, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory sensitivities, all of which can severely complicate dental visits. ¹

One of the primary obstacles in treating these patients lies in managing cooperation and communication. The heightened anxiety, coupled with sensory processing difficulties, such as aversion to dental instruments, bright lights, or unfamiliar sounds, often results in significant behavioural resistance. In some cases, even basic procedures, such as oral examination or prophylaxis, can be distressing and unachievable without behavioural desensitization techniques or pharmacological intervention.