Dental visits by pediatric HIV-infected medical patients

The purpose of the study described here was to assess dental-visit frequency in HIV-infected children as reported by caregivers. The sample consisted of 102 HIV-infected children aged 3 to 15 years and their caregivers. The child's most recent visit to any dental clinic for treatment or checkup was reported by the caregiver during his or her monthly medical review. The results were as follows: of the HIV-infected children, 50% had been to the dentist in the past 12 months; an additional 12% had been seen 13 to 36 months prior to the inquiry; and 38% had never visited a dentist. Of children 3 to 7 years old, the figures were 39%, 6% and 55%, respectively. For youth ages 8 to 15 years, figures were 60%, 17% and 23%. Within the racial/ethnic groups, 36% of African-Americans, 41% of Hispanics and 50% of white (non-Hispanic) had never been to a dentist. The researchers believe that the study showed that a significant number of HIV-infected children on public insurance programs receiving consistent medical care had not visited any dental provider.