Self-disclosure of HIV infection to dentists and physicians

We prospectively examined self-disclosure of HIV infection by 129 men and women to dentists and physicians. After an average of 2.3 years since initial HIV-positive notification and repeated individual counseling, only 53 percent of subjects had told their dentists of HIV infection compared to 89 percent who had told their physicians. This high rate of non-disclosure despite extensive counseling raises concern about effectiveness of education alone in promoting voluntary self-disclosure. Our findings further support recommended universal precautions.