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Updated: May 18, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Screening for infectious diseases in the dental setting
1Grady Health System, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA. Dreznik@HIVdent.org
Abstract:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are 2 systemic infectious diseases that dental health care professionals can help identify with the goal of improving health outcomes, addressing health disparities, and improving the quality and quantity of life. Whether by identifying suspect oral lesions, as is the case with HIV infection, or offering rapid screening tests in the dental setting for both HIV and HCV, the dental team can play an important role in linkage to confirmatory diagnosis and care.
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