A compassionate dentist providing care to an HIV+ patient in a modern, inclusive dental clinic.

HIV and Dental Care: What You Need to Know

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding attitudes of dental students towards HIV+ patients and its impact on future dental care access."

In Colombia, the rise in HIV prevalence highlights the critical need for comprehensive healthcare, including oral health services. However, negative attitudes among healthcare professionals, including dental practitioners, and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS can significantly hinder access to quality care for those affected.

Oral health is integral to the overall well-being of individuals living with HIV. Adequate and timely dental treatment can substantially improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, studies reveal that a notable percentage of dental professionals harbor negative attitudes toward treating HIV+ patients, primarily driven by perceived risks of infection and concerns about personal safety.

To address these challenges, it's crucial to understand the attitudes of future dental professionals towards HIV+ patients. This article explores the findings of a study conducted in Cali, Colombia, which investigated the attitudes of dental students towards treating individuals with HIV/AIDS. By examining these attitudes, we can identify areas for improvement in training and education, ultimately leading to better access to dental care for this vulnerable population.

Attitudes of Dental Students Towards HIV+ Patients

A compassionate dentist providing care to an HIV+ patient in a modern, inclusive dental clinic.

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,173 dental students from three dental schools in Santiago de Cali, Colombia. The students were divided into three groups: pre-clinical (semesters 1-4), initial clinical (semesters 5-7), and final clinical (semesters 8-10). A validated questionnaire was administered to assess their attitudes, knowledge, beliefs, and understanding of biosafety protocols related to HIV.

Key findings from the study revealed:

Positive Attitudes: The majority (86-92%) of students demonstrated a positive attitude towards treating HIV+ patients.
Willingness to Treat: A significant 88.7% expressed willingness to treat HIV+ patients, with preclinical students showing the most favorable disposition.
Perceived Difficulty: Among those who anticipated difficulties in their assistants accepting HIV+ patients, only 33% were likely to proceed with treatment.
Knowledge Gaps: A substantial proportion of students, particularly those in preclinical stages (82.2%), felt they had not received adequate training on managing HIV/AIDS patients.
Professional Responsibility: While most students felt a professional obligation to treat HIV+ patients, this perception was lower among final clinical students.
Biosecurity Practices: A notable percentage admitted they would not treat all patients as potentially carrying the virus, and fewer than 20% would adjust their biosecurity measures if a patient had HIV or hepatitis B.

Overall, the study highlighted a generally positive attitude among dental students in Cali towards treating HIV+ patients. However, it also revealed gaps in knowledge, concerns about auxiliary staff acceptance, and inconsistencies in biosecurity practices. These findings underscore the need for enhanced training and education to address misconceptions and promote safer, more inclusive dental care.

Improving Dental Care Access for HIV+ Patients

The study's findings emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to improve dental education and training regarding HIV/AIDS. By addressing knowledge gaps, reducing stigma, and promoting consistent biosecurity practices, dental schools can better prepare future professionals to provide quality care to HIV+ patients. Increased exposure to HIV+ patients during academic training can also help to normalize treatment and reduce apprehension. Continued research and advocacy are crucial to ensure equitable access to oral healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their HIV status.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What were the key attitudes of dental students in Cali, Colombia, towards treating HIV+ patients, according to the study?

The study in Cali, Colombia, revealed that the majority of dental students, specifically 86-92%, demonstrated a positive attitude towards treating HIV+ patients. A significant 88.7% expressed willingness to treat these patients. Preclinical students showed the most favorable disposition. However, some concerns were noted: a substantial proportion of students felt they lacked adequate training on managing HIV/AIDS patients, and there were inconsistencies in biosecurity practices. The study also found that among students who anticipated difficulties in their assistants accepting HIV+ patients, only 33% were likely to proceed with treatment.

How does the willingness of dental students in Cali, Colombia, to treat HIV+ patients impact access to dental care?

The willingness of dental students directly affects the accessibility of dental care for individuals with HIV. A high willingness to treat, as seen among students in Cali, Colombia, is a positive sign. However, if there are concerns about auxiliary staff acceptance or inadequate training, it could indirectly limit access. Also, inconsistencies in biosecurity practices would be a problem. For instance, if students are hesitant or unsure about handling HIV+ patients due to perceived risks or lack of knowledge, they may be less likely to offer comprehensive care, potentially leading to delayed treatment or avoidance of necessary procedures for patients with HIV.

What are the implications of knowledge gaps and inconsistent biosecurity practices among dental students concerning HIV/AIDS?

Knowledge gaps and inconsistent biosecurity practices among dental students have significant implications. A lack of adequate training on managing HIV/AIDS patients, as found in the study, can lead to several issues. Firstly, students might be less confident in providing care, potentially causing them to avoid or delay treatment for HIV+ patients. Secondly, it increases the risk of infection for both the dental professional and the patient if proper biosecurity protocols are not followed consistently. Furthermore, if students do not treat all patients as potentially carrying the virus, it implies a discriminatory approach and can hinder access to equitable care for individuals with HIV and other infectious diseases.

How can dental schools improve the care provided to HIV+ patients, according to the study's findings?

According to the study's findings, dental schools in Cali, Colombia, can improve care provided to HIV+ patients by addressing several key areas. First, they should enhance training and education regarding HIV/AIDS to fill the identified knowledge gaps, especially in preclinical stages. Second, schools need to promote consistent and rigorous biosecurity practices among students. Third, increasing exposure to HIV+ patients during academic training can help normalize treatment and reduce apprehension among students. Also, addressing concerns about auxiliary staff acceptance could improve the treatment overall. Finally, continued research and advocacy are crucial for ensuring equitable access to oral healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their HIV status.

What role does professional responsibility play in the context of dental students treating HIV+ patients, as observed in the study?

The study in Cali, Colombia, found that most dental students felt a professional obligation to treat HIV+ patients, but this perception was lower among final clinical students. Professional responsibility is crucial because it underscores the ethical and moral commitment of healthcare providers to provide care to all patients, including those with HIV/AIDS. This sense of responsibility can influence their willingness to treat these patients, their adherence to biosecurity protocols, and their overall approach to patient care. A decline in this perception, as seen among final clinical students, could potentially lead to hesitation or avoidance in treating HIV+ patients, highlighting the need to reinforce professional ethics and empathy throughout dental education and training.