Sociodemographic profile and oral health status of thalassemic patients attending the National Thalassaemia Centre, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the sociodemographic profile and oral health status (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth [DMFT] and periodontal health) of thalassemic patients compared to healthy individuals.

Methods: The data were collected by means of an interviewer-administered, pretested, and validated questionnaire, followed by oral examination. Patients attending the outpatient department, who were age and sex matched, but without any diagnosed or suspected long-term illnesses, were considered for the control group.