Attitudes and behavior of HIV-infected patients concerning dental care

This preliminary, descriptive study investigated the behavior and attitudes of HIV-infected patients concerning dental care. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was completed by 101 of 102 consecutive HIV-infected adults (mean age 36 years). Since the diagnosis of HIV infection, 81 respondents reported that they had sought dental care; 54 reported visiting a dentist at least once a year; 41 had changed dentists; and 62 reported current mouth problems, for which 45 were receiving treatment. Forty per cent of all respondents were receiving treatment in a hospital dental department. The use of hospital facilities was not associated with advanced HIV disease. Seventy per cent of participants were satisfied with the dental treatment they had received since they were diagnosed with HIV (18 per cent had no opinion, and 12 per cent were dissatisfied). Twelve per cent were concerned that their HIV seropositivity would not be kept confidential. While 87 per cent of participants had disclosed their HIV-seropositivity to their current dentist, 29 per cent believed that the dentist could be reluctant to provide treatment if they did so. Some patients reported changing dentists or not seeking care based on their fear that dentists would be reluctant to provide treatment. Fifteen per cent of patients who had sought dental care reported that they were refused treatment because they had HIV. Participants were more likely to have received dental care within the previous year if they reported being able to afford treatment, or had dental insurance (p < 0.01). Because more than 33 per cent of respondents had incomes below the poverty line, it is likely that economic factors limit the access to dental care for patients with HIV. More research is required using a larger sample and a random selection of participants.