28 Dec
HIV testing in the dental chair
A New York dentist started offering HIV tests at her dental office. Dr. Catrise Austin started offering the test in July and has already test over 100 patients. The test works by swiping a patient’s upper and lower gums with a $15 OraQuick Advance kit. Within 20 minutes, the swab will change colors to indicate a positive or negative result.
Nationwide, a handful of public health agencies, including in New York City, are trying to bring HIV testing to the dental chair. The city is funding dental HIV testing in several hospitals and small community dental clinics.
According to the CDC approximately 1 in 10 Americans visit a dentist, but do not see a physician each year.
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