A new study has found widespread support for rapid HIV testing in dental practices. (Photograph: racorn/Shutterstock)

Jul 25, 2014 | News Australia & New Zealand

SYDNEY, Australia: Currently, 10 ̶ 20 per cent of people in Australia living with HIV are undiagnosed. The findings of a new study, however, raise hopes that this number and the further spread of the virus could be reduced by making rapid HIV testing widely available in dental settings. The study found that more than 80 per cent of oral health patients are willing to undergo such tests during dental appointments.

Despite the necessary technology having been available for a number of years already, rapid HIV testing is not yet widely offered in dental settings around the world. Such tests quickly help detect the presence of HIV antibodies in a patient’s body by testing his or her blood or oral fluid. 

The study, which included 521 dental patients from Sydney, found that 76 per cent of those willing to receive rapid HIV testing at the dentist’s office preferred an oral swab, 15 per cent a pin prick test, and 8 per cent a traditional blood test. 

“Dentists are well placed to offer rapid HIV testing because they are located throughout the community, have ongoing relationships with their patients, and have the necessary training and expertise to recognise systemic diseases that have oral manifestations, such as HIV/AIDS,” said Dr Anthony Santella, a public health scientist who led the study at the University of Sydney. 

He added that about 45 per cent of dentists are willing to conduct rapid HIV testing. 

Moreover, patients will soon be able to buy rapid oral HIV tests over the counter. At the beginning of the month, the Australian government removed restrictions preventing the manufacture and sale of HIV home self-tests. Now, companies can sell such tests directly to consumers.

According to the 2014 Annual Surveillance Report, a comprehensive analysis of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia provided by the Kirby Institute, approximately 14 per cent of all HIV cases in Australia are undiagnosed. The institute estimates that 24,500–30,900 people are living with HIV in Australia.

The findings of the study were presented at the HIV Testing Symposium, which was held on 16 July at the university’s Western Sydney Sexual Health centre.