Point-of-care HIV testing in UK dental settings: outcomes of a feasibility and acceptability study

Background In the United Kingdom (UK), an estimated 4,660 (5%) of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are undiagnosed. Almost half of people diagnosed with HIV are diagnosed late (CD4+ <350 cells/mm³) which can lead to poorer health outcomes. HIV testing in non-traditional healthcare settings has played an important role in identifying patients with undiagnosed HIV. Expanding HIV testing into non-traditional healthcare settings such as dental practices could offer an opportunity to access an untapped population.Aim The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability of HIV point of care testing (POCT) in dental settings in the UK and the feasibility of a full-scale trial.Methods A universal, opt-out, HIV POCT intervention using the INSTI rapid finger-prick test was implemented in London-based dental practices. Dental professionals were trained and subsequently delivered the HIV testing. Questionnaires were administered to all patients who were offered HIV testing.Results In total, 441 patients were offered HIV testing and 47.8% accepted. No reactive HIV test results were found. First-time testers accounted for one-third of all questionnaire respondents who had accepted testing. Patients found the intervention highly acceptable. The main reason to decline HIV test offers was perceived low risk of HIV infection.Conclusions Uptake of HIV testing in UK dental settings compares favourably with similar interventions in medical settings. Patient acceptability was high but the potential for the intervention to identify people with HIV in the population under study was uncertain.