H I V testing in dental practice: Perception and attitude of dentists in South-western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In recent times, the concept of routine HIV screening has been recommended to enhance early diagnosis and timely initiation of care thereby reducing morbidity and mortality among H I V infected persons. Dental practice has been identified as a unique venue of reaching at risk individuals who may not otherwise access the conventional healthcare settings. Aim: To assess the perception and attitude of dentists in South western Nigeria concerning integrating HI V testing into dental practice. Methods: this descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted between January-March, 2014. Convenience sampling was used to select 113 practising dentists within Southwest Nigeria. Data collection was done using a self administered questionnaire. Results: Agreement to HIV testing in dental settings w a s in the order of 100% for private practitioners followed by 91.7% from teaching hospitals (91.7%) and least agreement was with state hospitals (76.5%). There was a strong association between participants' years of practice and support for HIV testing in dental settings with highest support among those between 7-9 years (p= 0.002). Significantly too (p= 0.013), all the specialists (100%) agreed to HIV testing in dental settings compared to general practitioners (84.0%). Conclusion: This study showed that most dentists in Southwest Nigeria acknowledged dental practice as being appropriate for expanded testing and as well were willing to UI ^ k training for HIV testing in their dental settings.