Attitude toward rapid HIV testing in a dental school clinic.

Abstract

Detection of HIV infection provides an opportunity for transmission reduction and lifesaving treatment strategies. This study examined patients' willingness to take a routine, rapid oral HIV test if offered at a dental school clinic. For fifteen days in 2011, an anonymous survey containing demographic information and willingness to be tested questions was offered to all patients awaiting treatment. A total of 383 of 443 people approached, answered the questionnaire (40.2% Hispanic, 27.2% Caucasian, and 19.3% African American) with 58.8% indicating that they had been previously tested for HIV (as compared to the California mean of 39.2%). Patients were highly likely to participate (84.0% of Hispanics, 63.6% of Caucasians, 80.0% of African Americans and 66.7% of Asians) in a free HIV rapid test when given the opportunity. Of respondents never tested before, 62.6% reported a willingness to be tested in this study. HIV screening in a dental clinic during routine visits may allow new undiagnosed cases to be detected with subsequent referral into medical treatment.