Can I Get Hiv From Dentist

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Ask the Experts

Tell my new dentist I'm HIV+ ? (DISCLOSURE TO DENTIST)

I'm going to be going to a dentist in a couple of weeks. I'll be a new patient. I'll be having just a checkup and a cleaning. I'm wondering if it is necessary, or perhaps even required,that I inform the dentist that I am HIV+...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,You are correct: all health care professionals use "universal precautions" to prevent the transmission of bloodborne disease to patients and vice versa. Personally, I would recommend disclosing your status to your dentist. This is... Read more »

Risk of HIV going to the dentist

is going to the dentist for simple oral hygene work a risk for hiv?... Read more »

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H. »

mandatory hiv test for dentists

Is it mandatory for dentists who practice dental surgery to get hiv tests regularly?... Read more »

Response from David A. Reznik, D.D.S. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

New York: Open Wide: Dentists Now Offer Quick HIV Tests

A private dentist in New York City has added a $15 rapid-result HIV test to the routine services offered at the practice. "The topic of HIV can be uncomfortable for some, so we decided we would talk about it with patients in a matter-of-fact way,... Read more »

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

New York: Dental Clinic Specializes in HIV/AIDS Patients, Cuts Out Fear of Seeing Dentist

Last fall, the nonprofit group Housing Works opened a full-service health clinic in Brooklyn exclusively for women with HIV/AIDS. A dental clinic housed in the facility, located at 57 Willoughby St., also accepts male patients. Many of the people... Read more »

California: Some Dentists Refuse to Serve People With HIV

A new study finds that 5 percent of dental offices in Los Angeles County have a blanket ban on serving people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). English- and Spanish-speaking people trained as "testers" called 612 dental offices during 2007-08, posing as... Read more »

Colorado: Dentist's Office Gives, Brings Smiles to Patients Living With HIV/AIDS

The Howard Dental Center (HDC) on Capitol Hill in Denver has been serving the dental needs of people with HIV/AIDS since 1994. Its name honors Dr. John Howard, a dentist who treated seropositive patients before his 1988 death from AIDS at age 55.... Read more »

Connect With Others

HIV Positive dentist

Posted by doglove, 5 Replies

I have been studying towards a career in the health professions. Just recently I have decided to go for a dental career. I am seriously reconsidering this as people might stop coming to me if they find out I am positive. It's a lot of money to... Read more »

Need a Dentist

Posted by Anonymous

My friend needs to find a dentist in the San Francisco Bay Area who is HIV friendly (since my friend has HIV). Anyone know of such a dentist? Or know of a dentist referral program?

Read more »

Going to the dentist....ouch!!!

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

I had to make my first routine dentist appt since I found out I was HIV pos. I asked my HIV provider if I should disclose my status to my dentist and his hygenist who cleans my teeth and does most of the work. She said no, that there has been no... Read more »

Just back from the dentist

Posted by franfrog, 3 Replies

Well, I have not gone to the dentist in about 15 years. No cavities surprisingly but got my teeth cleaned and they said I need to go back for a deep cleaning. You know, numb me and do one quadrant at a time. I am no good with pain. Luckily I do... Read more »

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