Models for expanding access to oral health care services for people living with HIV

The HRSA SPNS Oral Health Care Initiative funds 15 innovative models across the United States to expand access to oral health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). These program models target underserved populations in both rural and urban areas where there is high unmet need for oral health care. We developed a program typology to highlight key program characteristics such as host agency (AIDS service organizations, community heath centers, and university based medical centers); program models (mobile vans and mobile equipment, , locating services in dental hygiene schools, and establishing satellite clinics); service delivery strategies (level of oral health care, dental care coordination) as well as other program characteristics (linkages with medical providers, the provision of ancillary services, transportation and provider education). All programs emphasize strategies to outreach, engage and retain PLWHA in oral health care services. Our typology can assist program planners, medical and dental care providers with service delivery strategies for addressing the unmet need for oral health care in their area for PLWHA as well as other vulnerable populations.