People living with HIV and oral health professionals: What relationship?

The implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART] has contributed to the reduction of HIV infection-related morbidity and mortality. However, despite efforts in clinical care, most HIV-infected people worldwide will continue to develop oral diseases. Besides, people living with HIV [PLHIV] have unmet needs for oral health care. In this context, the literature on the relationship between dental surgeons and PLHIV was reviewed. The current epidemiology reveals the relevance of promoting oral health to efficiently improve PLHIV’s quality of life. Thus, dental services, therefore, can play a role in the primary prevention of the HIV epidemic, through early diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. This will be based on good hygiene in dental offices, treatment of oral lesions and nutritional and psychosocial support for PLHIV. Containing the pandemic requires a comprehensive approach to prevent, treat and improve the living conditions. However, developing guidelines is required to better involve the various parties in the management of PLHIV for a better quality of life