Identification of HIV/AIDS-associated oral lesions

The purpose of this study was to assess the degree to which dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants could recognize possible HIV/AIDS-related intraoral lesions. Recognition of such lesions is important since they are often early manifestations of this disease.

Following a regional pilot study (n = 234), a national convenience sample of 486 dentists, 124 dental hygienists, and 25 dental assistants was examined and their abilities to recognize HIV/AIDS-associated intraoral lesions were compared. Subjects attending a national dental meeting in November 1989 were shown six color photographs (2.5" x 3.5") and asked to determine which conditions could be depicted from a provided choice list.

Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed no significant differences in recognition scores among the three groups. However, results suggest that individuals in all groups may not be adequately recognizing the oral clinical manifestations of HIV infection.

Although study limitations such as non-random sampling and methodology constraints must be considered, one can conclude that HIV/AIDS pathology should receive greater educational emphasis in dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting curricula and continuing education programs.