An education and training initiative on dental care for the HIV-positive patient

Workshops were established on the theme of 'HIV and the General Dental Team' to meet the expressed needs of dentists working in one family health services authority (FHSA). The workshop's effect with regard to knowledge, attitudes and working practices was assessed. A questionnaire, completed at the beginning of the day by the 29 participants, explored areas of staff knowledge, attitudes, concerns and reported practices regarding treatment of people with HIV. A second questionnaire was completed at the end of the day to enable comparisons to be made before and after the course. After the workshop, there were general improvements in the levels of knowledge about clinical signs and symptoms, oral manifestations of HIV and AIDS and modes of the transmission of HIV. A change of attitude towards the provision of dental care for people with HIV was reported by 39%, 59% were more likely to provide this care and 72% of participants said they would change their working practices, principally with respect to infection control. A follow-up survey one year later reported long term behaviour changes and requests for further support in the form of a newsletter, video or telephone helpline and a confidentiality policy for use in general practice.