Dental Needs of an HIV-infected Urban Population

Objective: To evaluate the dental needs of HIV-infected individuals. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical procedures performed on 952 HIV positive individuals who received dental care at the University of Illinois at Chicago Ryan White Dental Clinic (UIC-RWDC) in 2002. Sex, race, and age of the subjects were noted. Routine dental care such as restorative, prosthetic, periodontal, endodontic, surgical, and emergency dental care were also recorded. Results: The subjects that received dental treatment in 2002 were: 70% male, 30% female; 56% African American, 25% Caucasians, 17% Hispanic, 1% Asian, 1% other with 6% in their 20’s, 28% in 30’s, 41% in 40’s and 25% are 50 and over. The clinic conducted 4900 procedures. A total of 1079 restorative procedures (49% temporary fillings); 49 fixed prosthetics (47% crowns); 92 removable prosthetics ( 29% full maxillary dentures and 30% partial maxillary dentures); 202 endodontic (67% pulp cap direct/indirect); 733 periodontics ( 69% scaling and root planning); 683 surgeries ( 93% teeth extraction) and 542 x-rays procedures (51% full mouth). In addition, 996 exams (45% initial, 43% limited, 12% consultation), 205 emergencies and 15 biopsies were performed. Conclusions: a) less than one-fifth of the patients visited RWDC for preventive care (165 of 952 patients requested periodontal maintenance); b) a larger than the expected number of patients needed curative services. These data demonstrate the need for educating patients about prevention and the benefits of better oral hygiene.