Addressing Patient Dissatifaction with Appearance as a Component of Care for Patients with HIV

A lack of access to oral health care leading to dissatisfaction with a patients' appearance can severely impact their sense of worth and self-confidence. In quantitative interviews of 2,492 HIV patients receiving dental care at 15 sites across the nation, 49.6% report dissatisfaction with their oral health appearance at baseline. This subset of patients is more likely to avoid going out and experience more pain and distress due to their oral health status. They also have higher rates of past crystal meth, cocaine and marijuana use. In depth qualitative interviews were also conducted with a sub-sample of 60 patients. Embarrassment, self consciousness and a lack of self-confidence is a prominent theme of patients reporting issues with their oral health appearance. They feel judged, unemployable and confined because they cannot smile, talk or eat properly. A short video showing patient oral health experiences will also be shown.