Utilization of Dental CARE Services Among Low Income HIV-Positive Persons IN PRIMARY CARE

Objectives: We investigated the use of dental care services among a population of low income persons living with HIV/AIDS who had not seen a dental care provider during the twelve months prior to study enrollment.

Methods: Five hundred and ninety-three participants were recruited from five HIV primary care clinics in two South Florida counties and interviewed regarding past utilization of dental care services, HIV primary care service utilization, and barriers to care. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine correlates of oral care utilization within the preceding two years.

Results: One-third of respondents reported seeing a dentist in the preceding two years. The odds of having seen a dentist were greater for respondents with stable housing, at least a high school education, and who had received help in getting dental care; black respondents were less likely to have seen a dentist in the preceding two years.

Conclusions: Despite the availability of dental services for low-income HIV-positive persons, utilization of dental care remains low. This study reinforces the need to provide assistance to HIV-positive persons in obtaining dental care. In particular, it indicates that such assistance should be targeted toward African Americans, persons with low income and unstable housing situations, and those with limited help to navigate the health care system.