Dental Hygienist Study

Dentists and dental hygienists need to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and confident in treating patients with HIV/AIDS. The treatment of this infectious disease needs to be performed in a way that minimizes risks to other patients and health care professionals. Previous studies have shown an unwillingness of health care professionals in treating such individuals. This study examined the effectiveness of a training program for dental and dental hygiene students at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) in treating patients with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this program is to give students knowledge in treating HIV patients, to reduce the risk of transmission of this infectious disease to dental staff and others, and to reduce the stigma associated with treating these patients. This particular study addressed students’ comfort level in treating HIV/AIDS patients in three categories: homosexual/bisexual individuals, intravenous drug users, and individuals who have had blood
There is a stigmatism in treating individuals with HIV/AIDS but these individuals deserve compassionate oral care. A dental hygienist has an ethical responsibility to provide such care. If students have more knowledge of HIV/AIDS, the less anxiety they may have in treating such patients. Although transmission of infectious disease may be rare in the dental setting, it is important for the dental hygienist to be knowledgeable about infection control and to follow the CDC standard precautions when treating patients with bloodborne diseases. Some infection controls include routine handwashing, proper sterilization and use of instruments, use of personal protective equipment (e.g. protective gloves, eyewear, apparel, and masks). As dental hygienists, we must regard all patients as potentially infectious to prevent cross infection to other patients and dental