Abstract
Objective: With the spreading of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), the number of HIV-infected patients living under medical control is rapidly increasing, and so will their demand for appropriate dental treatment. Establishing a good dental care network is, therefore, mandatory. Such a network must consider issues that concern these patients, i.e. the fear of disease aggravation and an eventual loss of their privacy. This survey aimed to assess the present state of HIV patient-oriented dental care programs provided by hospitals at the Northern Kanto and Koushinetsu districts, as well as to obtain reliable data on theoral conditions of that population.
Methods: By using a questionnaire, we have conducted the survey in 11 institutions during the months of February and March, 2005, with a total of 86 subjects.
Conclusion: Information collected consisted of 1) patient's basic data, 2) status of infection and treatment, 3) dental history, 4) dental care demands, and 5) additional comments and requests. Results show that the majority properly informed dentists of their condition, while 7 of them omitted that important information. Another finding was that even though they generally prefer to receive dental treatment at the same hospital where they get medical help, there is a considerable percentage of them who would like dental care to be given with more convenience, especially closer to their homes.
