An innovative program implemented by the Buffalo School of Dental Medicine seeks to diagnose the nearly 22,000 New York residents who are unknowingly infected with HIV. This population often goes undiagnosed because most people do not visit a physician regularly nor seek routine STD testing at clinics. However, Buffalo School faculty noted that nearly 70 percent of people visit the dentist within a given year, more frequently in most cases than they see a doctor, to the point where a patient's dentist could be considered their primary care provider. Taking advantage of this fact, all dental clinics operated by the Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will offer HIV testing through March 2017.

Assisting in this effort are new advances in HIV testing, which mean that what was once a fairly invasive test requiring a blood sample can now be administered using a simple oral swab (a blood test is still necessary to confirm in the case of a positive result). Results can be seen in as little as 20 minutes, so patients can be updated on their HIV status as part of a normal hygiene appointment.

This is a valuable service, especially in developing communities where patients may be unaware of the need for STD testing, or financially unable to see a physician regularly.

Changing roles in community health:

This program illustrates an emerging trend in healthcare across the United States: dentists are assuming a greater and greater portion of the responsibility as a front-line healthcare provider. From screening for oral cancer and obstructive sleep apnea to offering nutritional counseling, dentists provide more "general" healthcare than ever before to stay ahead of the competition and provide outstanding care to their patients. While this HIV testing program is currently only offered in dental-school run clinics (who are supported by a grant), there are numerous, cost-efficient opportunities for dentists to offer screening services.

Among them is hemoglobin A1c testing, a diabetes management indicator. This fits nicely with the role of dentists in nutrition, and can provide patients with helpful information about their glycemic status. One out of every three people in the United States has type 2 diabetes, and of this population, 28 percent are undiagnosed. A1c hemoglobin testing reveals if someone has diabetes, and if so, how well-managed their condition is. Better still, new A1c testing kits are available in a easy, cheap and disposable test that requires only a single drop of blood.

Sources:

Free HIV screenings now offered to UB Dental patients. (n.d.). Retrieved May 06, 2016, from http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/04/053.html
Hemoglobin A1c Testing for Diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved May 06, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/glycated-hemoglobin-test-hba1c
Statistics: United States. (n.d.). Retrieved May 06, 2016, from http://www.amfar.org/About-HIV-and-AIDS/Facts-and-Stats/Statistics--United-States/

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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