Self-reported knowledge and attitude toward the treatment of HIV/AIDS infected individuals by the Dental Practitioners working in a public sector institute: A cross sectional study

Background: Dentists have a responsibility to provide HIV-infected patients, particularly because oral lesions are common among these patients. It is obvious that having adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS enhances confidence in ability to manage infected patients.The present study was conducted to assess self-reported knowledge and attitude toward the treatment of HIV/AIDS infected individuals by the Dental Practitioners working in a public sector institute. Materials and Method: The present study was a Questionnaire based study which studied the factors associated with "Self-reported knowledge and Attitude toward the treatment of HIV/AIDS infected individuals by the Dental Practitioners working in a public sector institute." Results : The willingness to treat patients with HIV was satisfactory (72.0%) among the dental practitioners in the present study but 64% of the dentists thought that treating an HIV patient would have an effect on the other patient′s attitude in rendering treatment/dental care. Also, majority (70.0%) of the dentists thought that infection control procedures necessary for the treatment of the patients with HIV is not a financial burden for the practice. Conclusion : The level of knowledge regarding HIV and AIDS was acceptable in the present study. However, the dental school curriculum must be updated and improved in order to enhance the knowledge of students as well teachers in those aspects.