The reaction of dentists to members of groups at risk of AIDS
Article Abstract:
In 1987 there was a press report that dentists were unwilling to treat patients with AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The attitudes and actual behavior of dentists toward patients who were at great risk for AIDS were monitored by observations that were conducted in dental offices. An actor assumed three different patient roles: homosexual, heterosexual and intravenous drug abuser. The 102 dentists selected at random were unaware of their participation in the study at the time they were examining the actor/patient. Following the examination the actor/patient reported on his experience, and the dentist was later told of the study and interviewed about his/her attitudes regarding AIDS and homosexuality. When the actor was portraying a homosexual, 75 percent of the dentists believed him. Only one of the 34 dentists who saw the actor/patient as a homosexual refused to treat him. Of 90 dentists who answered that question on interview, 25 percent said they would refer the patient to a colleague who was known to be homosexual. One dentist refused to treat the actor/patient when he portrayed an IV drug user. The data reveal that dentists treat patients who they believe to be homosexual and IV drug abusers, even though they may respond differently to survey questionnaires. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1989
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Infection control in the dental office: has anything changed?
Article Abstract:
Dental offices appear to have substantially increased infection control practices between 1988 and 1992, but there appears to be little change in collection of information on the patient's disease status or medical or social history. Researchers evaluated practices in 102 Chicago-area dental offices in 1988 and 198 practices in 1992 by sending in actors and then interviewing the dentist. The use of gowns increased from 3% to 79%, gloves from 76% to 90%, face masks from 29% to 62%, and eye protection from 20% to 63%. By contrast, 0% versus 2% asked about the patient's sexual preferences, 9% versus 54% asked about marriage status, 13% versus 11% asked about narcotic use, 26% versus 37% mentioned AIDS, and 0% versus 0.5% discussed risk factors for AIDS. However, the American Dental Association's Division of Legal Affairs notes that asking about sexual orientation may be illegal and that handling patients disclosing HIV infection differently may constitute discrimination.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
What insurance coverage do I need?
Article Abstract:
Dentists need various types of insurance to protect their business. These include property insurance, which should cover not only the building but computer equipment and furnishings. Business interruption coverage provides income in the event of property damage. General liability coverage protects dentists from accidents occurring on their property not related to dental care. Professional liability insurance covers errors in dental care. Disability income and life insurance may also be beneficial. Dentists should carefully review all insurance policies before enrolling.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The effect of hypo-allergenic formulas in infants at risk of allergic disease. The natural history of cow's milk protein allergy/intolerance
- Abstracts: Abortion law matures. Theatre of operations. Trouble in the Eire
- Abstracts: Raging bull: the real dope on how steroids affect your mind. A natural wonder
- Abstracts: Making sense of central venous pressure. Making sense of central venous catheters. Cardiac distress: nurses are in a prime position to recognise psychological problems in patients and, given the appropriate knowledge, can intervene
- Abstracts: "I wish I liked sex more." 7 reasons to make love tonight even if you don't feel sexy. Your sexual style: when is it time to make a change?