The potential role of dentists in HIV screening

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-11-2016

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests there is a role for the dental team, particularly dentists, in offering chairside HIV screening to patients during dental appointments. HIV is no longer a death sentence with early diagnosis and effective treatment contributing to a good prognosis. Despite the availability of both venipuncture diagnostic and rapid saliva/finger prick screening tests for HIV infection, 25% of people living with HIV in the United Kingdom are undiagnosed and remain at risk of transmitting their infection if having unprotected sex. This paper highlights the international evidence that supports dentists' willingness to conduct HIV screening and dental patient acceptance, and explores whether this is an opportunity or a step too far.

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© British Dental Journal 2016

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Publication Title

British Dental Journal

Published Citation

Santella AJ, Conway DI, Watt RG. (2016). The potential role of dentists in HIV screening. British Dental Journal, 220(5), 229-233. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.172

DOI

10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.172

Peer Reviewed

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