Patients' Attitudes about Rapid Oral HIV Testing in an Urban, Free Dental Clinic

Background:
In light of the 2006 CDC recommendations for routine HIV screening in all healthcare settings, dental clinics could serve as an important testing venue. Little has been published regarding the use of rapid HIV testing in dental offices.

Objective:
This pilot study seeks to assess patients' attitudes regarding the routine use of rapid oral HIV screening at an urban free dental clinic.

Method:
Patients at a free dental clinic in Kansas City, Missouri were given an attitude assessment survey prior to their dental visit. Results were analyzed for acceptance of testing in the dental setting and potential barriers.

Result:
Of the 150 respondents, 73% reported they would be willing to take a free rapid HIV screening test during their dental visit. Overall, 91% of Hispanics, 79% of Caucasians, and 73% of African American patients reported they would be willing to be screened. Patients with a history of multiple prior tests were more likely to agree to HIV screening. The majority (62%) reported that it did not matter who provided them with the screening result, although some (37%) preferred their dentist above any other provider. Low self-perception of risk (37%) and having already received screening elsewhere (24%) were the main reasons for not accepting a free, rapid HIV screening.

Conclusion:
Dental clinic patients widely accepted the offer of a free, rapid oral HIV screening test. Rapid HIV screening in the dental clinic setting is a viable option to increase the number of individuals who know their status.

Implications:
Incorporating the new guidelines for HIV screening, dental clinics in areas with a high prevalence of HIV could incorporate rapid oral HIV screening into their practices. Future studies could combine the attitude assessment with the actual offer of an oral rapid screen to determine if intent to be screened is consistent with follow-through testing in the dental clinic.