Kathryn Ryan, a Master of Public Health candidate in the Department of Human Genetics, is leading a project to uncover genetic factors tied to early childhood caries (ECC), one of the most common chronic conditions affecting young children globally. Through a genome-wide association study, Ryan’s work investigates genetic variants associated with ECC in a diverse cohort, with the goal of understanding genetic susceptibility and ultimately informing preventive strategies.
ECC is defined by the presence of one or more decayed, missing or filled primary teeth in children aged six years or younger. Affecting nearly half of children worldwide, the condition disproportionately impacts those in lower socioeconomic households, where access to affordable dental care is limited. Ryan’s study, in collaboration with Margherita Fontana from the University of Michigan, focused on participants from three major organizations: the Pediatric Research Network in Indianapolis; the Iowa Research Network in Iowa City, Iowa; and Duke University’s Primary Care Practice-Based Research. Participants included primary caregivers and their children, all from economically challenged backgrounds, reflecting the pressing need to address health disparities in dental care.
Under the guidance of Principal Investigators John R. Shaffer and Wenndy Hernandez, Ryan’s project represents an important step in understanding the genetic underpinnings of ECC, with promising implications for childhood oral health interventions tailored to diverse populations.
-Joe Barreto