Discussions with a dentist
Vignarajah, S.
Aids Action 1998(40): 9
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0953-0096 PMID: 12321639 Document Number: 274931
The author, a dentist in the West Indies, describes his use of posters and leaflets to educate his patients about HIV/AIDS. Although these materials are placed in both the waiting and treatment rooms, this alone does not guarantee they are read. The dentist introduces discussion about AIDS into his exchanges with patients, when feasible. For example, while waiting for local anesthesia to take effect, the author may ask his patients for reactions to the AIDS materials or determine if they are aware of how HIV is transmitted. Male patients are frequently observed to pick up materials on AIDS and pregnancy to take home for their wives. Infection control practices are demonstrated to those who are concerned about contracting HIV through dental procedures.