Introductory Remarks The HIV epidemic began 31 years ago and still continues with 54,000 new cases reported every year. This number has remained relatively stable for several years. The CDC proposed new recommendations for testing in 2006 which encouraged that everyone between the ages of 13-65 be tested at least once in their lifetime. More often if the individual believes they may have been at risk for an exposure to HIV. Additionally we know that about 1 in 5 persons living with HIV are unaware of their status. A percentage of these are not even aware that they may have been exposed to HIV and others have chosen not to be tested for a variety of reasons. Recent studies have reported that when an individual knows their status they are less likely to transmit HIV to others. Over the past several years testing for HIV has become simpler and, faster. This is especially due to the availability of the Rapid HIV test for which results are available in 20 minutes rather than waiting for days. These results can be reviewed with the patient without concern about them returning for results. If a test is reactive then a linkage to care can immediately be facilitated. Should oral healthcare providers consider offering oral fluid based Rapid HIV Testing and if we did, what are the attitudes of oral health providers, the medical profession and the consumer of care toward this, as well as screening for other medical conditions such as CVD and diabetes.. And if we test, how do we link to care, counsel the patient and then, who pays for the test? We already know from the two IOM reports previously released that we have an access problem in oral health care and we know vulnerable populations are greatly impacted by this including persons living with HIV.. This panel is comprised of a series of presentations with common themes of oral health and other chronic medical conditions, HIV, policies and financing. What we propose today is a discussion on the current programs, policies, and cost of providing oral health care to PLWHA. Our first two speakers will present this information. Then as a bit of a twist, but still within our theme we'll talk about policies, attitudes and financing of interventions that could affect HIV disease and the role of the oral healthcare worker in these as well as outside attitudes to our role in screening for medical conditions and finally, if we offer it, will insurance reimburse it? The next three speakers will address these issues. Welcome to another way of looking at HIV and oral health and our role as primary oral healthcare providers. Thank you and I look forward to a great discussion and exchange of ideas this afternoon. I will now introduce each speaker so that we can flow through the program without interruption. Helene Sharon Bednarsh, BS,RDH,MPH

Ryan White Program and other funding for Oral Healthcare for PLWHA
David Reznik, DDS

Planning for oral health services: Utilization and cost of dental care for people living with HIV/AIDS
Carol Tobias, MMHS

Feasibility and acceptability of HIV screening in the dental care setting among national AIDS directors
Madeleine Goldstein, Rebecca Winitzer, MS, MSW, Margaret R. Pereyra, DrPH, Stephen Abel, DDS, MSD, Tamara Kuper, Harold A. Pollack, PhD and Lisa Metsch, PhD

Insurers' perceptions on the feasibility of HIV rapid testing in the dental care setting
Harold A. Pollack, PhD, Rebecca Winitzer, MS, MSW, Margaret R. Pereyra, DrPH, Stephen Abel, DDS, MSD and Lisa Metsch, PhD

Screening for medical conditions in a dental setting
Barbara Greenberg, PhD

Concluding Remarks Helene Sharon Bednarsh, BS,RDH,MPH