AAPD Policy On Stem Cells

Every year, the AAPD issues a Reference Manual with updates on the guidelines of pediatric dental care in the United States. The Purpose of the Manual is to encourage a diverse audience to provide the highest possible level of care to children. The AAPD had adopted a policy on stem cells since 2008. Stem cells are special cells that can divide and multiply for extended periods of time. These cells can change into a diverse range of specialized cell types and tissues. Parents may elect to preserve the umbilical cord blood of their child for future harvesting of stem cells. Did you know that primary teeth that require early removal or even third permanent molars can serve as a source of these special cells too?