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COMMUNITY-BASED DENTAL PARTNERSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview: Community-Based Dental Partnership Program at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry HIV/AIDS and ORAL HEALTH The condition of the mouth the teeth, gums, and soft tissue is a mirror of the overall health of the body and the state of the body s immune system. It is especially important for persons at risk for HIV/AIDS or living with HIV/AIDS to look into this mirror for signs and symptoms of the disease. By some estimates, more than 90% of HIV-infected individuals will have at least one HIV-related oral manifestation in the course of their disease. For many people, the first indication of HIV infection may be an oral condition such as a thrush infection, ulcers, warts, or oral cancer. Once HIV antiretroviral therapy has begun, oral manifestations usually decrease. Persistent or recurring oral lesions may indicate a change in an individual s overall health or a decline in the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. Many of the current HIV/AIDS medications used for therapy cause a reduction in saliva resulting in a dry mouth. Saliva moisturizes the oral tissue, teeth and gums and helps to prevent infections. Dry mouth can cause discomfort when eating and speaking. Additionally, dry mouth can lead to an increase in cavities. Anyone who is on HIV/AIDS medications should see a dentist regularly to check for cavities and gum disease, to receive oral soft tissue examinations, and to monitor the state of their overall health by examining their oral health. All people feel better and enjoy a better quality of life when their teeth and mouths are well cared for. The benefits to a person living with HIV/AIDS of restoring the teeth and mouth to a state of health can be enormous. HIV/AIDS patients who are suffering from oral pain and discomfort may not feel like adhering to their HIV treatment. Those who have broken or missing teeth may be suffering from poor nutrition. Those who are embarrassed about how long they have neglected their teeth may find that their embarrassment lowers their spirits. A major step on the road to wellness for anyone with HIV is the decision to seek professional oral health care. The University of Louisville School of Dentistry (ULSD) is a major provider of oral health care to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Kentucky. The mission of the School of Dentistry is to educate dental professionals, to provide quality dental care, and to serve the community. Serving the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS is an important part of our mission. Every effort is made to provide care for all referrals; however, patients are accepted into the School of Dentistry clinical programs based on the educational objectives of the School. The University of Louisville School of Dentistry works in partnership with other HIV/AIDS caregivers to facilitate patient applications for acceptance into the clinical programs. Anyone who receives HIV/AIDS medical care through U of L s WINGS Clinic may speak to his or her medical provider about applying for treatment at ULSD. Kentucky Care Coordinators also have the application forms for dentistry and will help clients through the application process. Any person living with HIV/AIDS who does not have a Care Coordinator may call the dental school at 852-6371. Dental treatment is provided at ULSD and at two satellite clinics in southwest Louisville and in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. |
Through federally funded Ryan White grants, the U of L School of Dentistry is able to provide dental care to HIV/AIDS patients who have no other means of payment. Care is available at these locations: the U of L School of Dentistry and the U of L Ambulatory Care Building, the Hardin County Community Clinic at Elizabethtown Community College, and the Dixie Metro Clinic on Dixie Highway. 