The potential role of dentists in HIV screening

Santella, A. J., Conway, D.I. and Watt, R.G. (2016) The potential role of dentists in HIV screening. British Dental Journal, 220(5), pp. 229-233. (doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.172) (PMID:26964593)

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.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Conway, Professor David
• Authors: Santella, A. J., Conway, D.I., and Watt, R.G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: British Dental Journal
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group for the British Dental Association
• ISSN: 0007-0610
• ISSN (Online): 1476-5373
• Published Online: 11 March 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 British Dental Association
• First Published: First published in British Dental Journal 220(5): 229-233
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy