Blood-borne virus-related discrimination in dental services.

Abstract

While the risk of infection through occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses is a major concern of dental health care workers, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and many health, AIDS and discrimination-related agencies have identified discrimination related to HIV/AIDS as a priority area for action. In 1995 the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services selected the School of Medical Education at the University of New South Wales to conduct a national project to reduce discrimination related to blood-borne viruses within dental services (Godwin, Meihubers & Rotem 1997). This paper provides an overview of the study and its major findings. The study focused on quality of care issues which may cause or manifest discrimination. Key stakeholders were invited to review policies, procedures, organisational arrangements and other systemic issues which influence the quality of oral health services to populations within selected geographical regions.