Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVES: To normalize rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in the United States, expanded rapid HIV testing initiatives are needed outside the routine medical setting. The dental setting is a logical choice as almost two-thirds of Americans regularly see a dental provider each year. This study was aimed to determine the dental hygienists' knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people living with HIV and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey of practicing dental hygienists and senior dental hygiene students were recruited using state dental hygiene associations, email LISTSERVS, dental hygiene programmes and continuing education conferences (n = 634). RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was 10.5/13. High versus low test-scorers (75% of test questions or more answered correctly versus less than 75% answered correctly) did differ in their comfort level in counselling about sexual HIV prevention methods (P = 0.03) and comfort level in working with medically compromised patients (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Dental hygienists, with additional training in HIV prevention counseling and diagnostic testing, may be an appropriate profession to conduct rapid HIV testing.

The article focuses on the Cochrane Collaboration, an international, non-profit organization dedicated to help clinicians, researchers, and patients make healthcare decisions based on accurate information. It is partnering with the New York University College of Dentistry to train New York University (NYU) dental and nursing faculty to conduct systematic reviews of the scientific literature related to oral health. American Dental Association (ADA) defines as an approach to health care

The article reports that dental hygienists and health care providers should have deep understanding of different cultures of their patients which is also essential in the ethical decision making process. It states that health care providers should be educated and updated to many differences and should gather tools for ethical judgments with respect to cultures. It says that mindfulness of the differences earns patient and societal trust

PURPOSE: In the U.S., an estimated 21% of people living with HIV/AIDS do not know their positive HIV status. Expanding rap id HIV testing in the dental setting may increase the number of individuals who are aware of their HIV status and can begin medical care and social support services if seropositive and ap propriate. As a member of the dental team, the dental hygien ist, with the proper knowledge and training, may be suitable to conduct rapid HIV testing.

The author explores the changes after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and mentions the contributions to forensic odontology, dental hygiene, and humanity of the dental hygienists who volunteered in New York City. She mentions the "Sept. 11th Education Program" which aims to keep the memory of 9/11 alive in minds of children who were too young to remember the incident. She also highlights the changes to documentation and recordkeeping protocols that occurred after the attacks

Introduction: Elder abuse has become a domestic concern in the United States and Canada. Although there are various mandates to report suspicions and incidences in both countries, professionals in dentistry are not identifying and responding at the same rate as the situation is rising. This study has shown that the laws and recommendations have not compelled oral health professionals to action. The reason may be a true lack of education in knowing how to be aware of signs and how to report suspicions, and even ignorance of the scope of consequences to each individual and to society. Discussion: This paper offers the dental practitioner the signs of elder abuse, a review of the legal definitions and mandates and the poor history of reporting within this vulnerable population with the objective to aid in the recognition, awareness, and prevention of elder abuse. Findings: Statistical reviews from national and private research sources reveal a non compliant reporting status in this group, and the problem needs to be addressed through more thorough education and awareness strategies to reach dental healthcare providers in both countries. Conclusions: With initial and continuing education, the oral health professional should become familiar with the problem, and satisfy the obligation to senior patients. Information provided is to enhance existing knowledge on the problem, its prevention, and responsibilities towards victims of elder abuse. When oral health professionals are aware of the prevalence, incidence, and consequences physically and emotionally and the oral health implications, they will be better equipped to help these members of the community. Key words: vulnerable populations