Recommendations for Screening and Counseling for HIV at Dentist Offices

University of North Carolina, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Topics:
Oral Health | HIV/AIDS & STD Prevention

People infected with HIV may not know they are infected and therefore may not seek testing or treatment from a doctor.  However, many HIV-infected people may seek dental care at least once a year. In this 2-year study, researchers explored whether it is feasible and appropriate for dentists to test and counsel their patients for HIV.  In collaboration with a national panel of experts, researchers assessed the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge of dentists and their staff, identified financial and other barriers to dental office HIV testing and counseling, evaluated the use of in-office testing methods, examined issues related to special populations, and identified requirements and policies for dental practices. The project team presented their recommendations for future involvement of dentists in HIV risk assessment, screening, and counseling (see: Patton LL, Santos VA, McKaig RG, Shugars DC, Strauss, RP. Education in HIV Risk Screening, Counseling, Testing, and Referral: Survey of U.S. Dental Schools. J Dent Educ 2002 Oct; 1169–1177.).

 

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