Results of focused group interviews with people living with HIV/AIDS receiving dental case management

Accessibility and affordability of dental care affects oral health. For those living with HIV/AIDS, inadequate oral health care can be life threatening. We developed and evaluated a dental case manager (DCM) approach to increasing dental services accessibility for people living with HIV/AIDS. Nineteen dental patients who had received services from a DCM attended one of four focus groups. Questions included: DCM role and value; ways the DCM did not meet expectations; and changes to oral/overall health. Data were categorized using content analysis techniques. A coding scheme was developed utilizing the research questions and spontaneous comments. Two investigators independently coded verbatim responses. .Emergent themes were identified. When participants defined the role of the DCM, themes included: availability; being knowledgeable about clients' health needs/insurance options; assisting with access; being empathetic; bridging communication between client and dentist. The few problems expressed were related to appointment availability. Participants noted improvements to oral and overall health, with several commenting on relief of pain and apprehension. Many believed that DCMs should come from the community they serve. All participants believed that the DCM was a valuable addition to the clinic and noted that other at-risk populations, including diabetics, the elderly and the developmentally disabled would benefit from working with a DCM. In this study, the addition of the DCM to the dental facility appears to have facilitated access to dental care and provided vulnerable patients with an identified advocate, resulting in self-reported improvements to overall health. Recommendations for how others might develop a DCM are highlighted.