The professional responsibility for care

Access to dental care is an essential need for all patients, particularly for individuals with complex medical conditions. Consequently, dentists have a moral and professional obligation to provide care for all individuals within the dentist's realm of expertise. However, throughout the HIV epidemic dental professionals have demonstrated an unwillingness to treat infected patients. This article addresses common objections raised by dentists unwilling to provide care, and discusses the professional obligation to treat and the importance of professionalism in reducing discrimination.