Oral care of HIV-infected patients: the knowledge and attitudes of South African dentists.

As the numbers of people with HIV infection and AIDS increase, so will the contribution required from the dental practitioners. A postal questionnaire survey was therefore conducted among dental practitioners in South Africa to determine their knowledge and attitudes towards HIV infection and the issues it raises for them. Although a majority of dentists were aware of the facts related to AIDS, and the spread and oral manifestations of HIV infection, there were considerable gaps in their knowledge with regard to the dental management of infected patients. Only 45 per cent were prepared to be engaged in the continued care of HIV-infected patients while contradicting opinions were expressed on the risk of HIV transmission in dentistry and attitudes towards HIV seropositive patients and staff. Further educational efforts on HIV infection and its implications in dentistry should be directed towards dentists in South Africa.