Newsletter
LOS ANGELES, USA: Oral health problems, such as oral warts and oral candidiasis, are very common in patients with HIV/AIDS, mainly because their immune system is weakened and less able to fight off infections. The University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry recently received a grant of $2.36 million to address the dental care needs in this patient group in particular.
Through the two-year funding, which was granted by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, patients will receive diagnostic services, such as examinations and radiographs; endodontic work, such as cleanings and removal of tooth decay; and restorative care, including extractions, fillings, crowns and prostheses. In addition, patients will be educated on the importance of proper oral care and periodic dental visits.
The overall aim of the initiative is to increase access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS, many of whom are disabled and cannot afford dental examinations or treatment. However, maintaining oral health is very important, not only for functional and esthetic reasons but also as part of disease management. The school estimates that the grant will help provide dental care to more than 1,000 patients each year.
The initiative is part of the Ryan White Program, a program that provides HIV/AIDS-related services to more than half a million people each year through partner cities, states, and local community-based organizations.
According to the dental school , more than 50,000 people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS live in Los Angeles County. However, taking undiagnosed cases into account, experts believe that the number might actually exceed 60,000.
