Dr. Agnus Sophia Antony
BDS,RDH
Researcher & Rare Disease Advocate, But I Fly Innovations Inc.
I am an internationally trained dentist who graduated from a dental school in India 15 years ago and subsequently continued my professional journey in the United States. After successfully completing the American Dental Board Exams, I broadened my clinical experience through shadowing and volunteering at private dental practices and nonprofit organizations before pursuing a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist. My background in dentistry and experience in preventive oral healthcare have shaped my growing interest in rare disease research, particularly in understanding how oral manifestations can provide significant clues to the presence of underlying systemic, genetic, or immunological conditions.
As a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), I am often among the first healthcare professionals to assess a patient's oral health, placing me in a valuable position to recognize abnormalities that may indicate an underlying systemic or rare disease that may warrant further investigation. Research suggests that approximately 15% of rare diseases involve distinct oral and craniofacial manifestations, highlighting the important role dental professionals can play in early recognition and referral. I believe that expanding awareness of oral symptoms connects dentistry to rare disease research, accelerating diagnoses and enhancing patient care.
The mission of But I Fly Innovations to bridge the gaps in rare disease recognition, diagnosis, research and patient care resonates with my belief that seemingly minor or unusual symptoms can sometimes hold important clues to an underlying condition. I once treated a patient who presented with severe gingival bleeding despite maintaining excellent oral hygiene, with no cavities or plaque accumulation. The disproportion between the severity of the symptoms and the apparent absence of common local causes prompted me to consider whether an underlying systemic condition might be contributing to the presentation. This experience reinforced my interest in investigating atypical oral manifestations and understanding how uncommon clinical presentations can sometimes be overlooked when routine dental findings appear unremarkable.
My long-term goal as a researcher and rare disease advocate at But I Fly Innovations is to use my dental background and clinical experiences to contribute to rare disease research, awareness, and advocacy. I am particularly interested in exploring the relationship between oral health and rare diseases, promoting early recognition of oral signs that may indicate underlying conditions, and helping close the gap between dental care and broader medical evaluation. Through continued learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered advocacy, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that recognizes the diagnostic value of oral health, reduces delays in identifying rare conditions, and ensures that patients and their families receive the understanding, compassionate care, and support they need to navigate complex healthcare journeys and improve their quality of life.My long-term goal as a researcher and patient advocate at But I Fly Innovations is to use my dental background and clinical experiences to contribute to rare disease research, awareness, and advocacy. I am particularly interested in exploring the relationship between oral health and rare diseases, promoting early recognition of oral signs that may indicate underlying conditions, and helping close the gap between dental care and broader medical evaluation. Through continued learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered advocacy, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that recognizes the diagnostic value of oral health, reduces delays in identifying rare conditions, and ensures that patients and their families receive the understanding, compassionate care, and support they need to navigate complex healthcare journeys and improve their quality of life.