Question
Should I disclose my HIV status to my dentist?
16 January 2012. Related: All topics, Disclosure.
I need to register with a new dentist and have been to a few but the registration forms all ask regarding HIV status and I’m not comfortable with disclosing.
Am I legally required to disclose if dentists all use universal precautions and should always protect themselves and other patients from infection etc. I’m undetectable and stable on treatment with a good cd4 count.
Should I disclose so they can check for any specific infectionsrelated to HIV infection?
Many thanks in advance
Answer
Generally, it is always better for healthcare professionals involved in your care to know your HIV status, and this includes dentists.
It should be relatively easy for you to find a dentist happy to treat people living with HIV. The best way to find out is to anonymously phone dentists in your area and see their response.
If however, this is not an option for you because of where you live, then the choice to disclose remains a personal one. Generally all dentists should use universal precautions, and I don’t think there is a legal obligation to disclose should this be your choice.
Best wishes
Comment