Dental providers see a broad cross-section of the population and are often a consistent point of contact for patients who may not engage with the healthcare system otherwise. This presentation will share lessons learned from a qualitative study with dentists and dental hygienists, highlighting their perspectives on HIV knowledge, communication, and coordination. Rather than focusing on the research process, the session emphasizes practical strategies that providers can use in everyday practice. Topics include integrating HIV prevention and PrEP discussions into patient conversations, using motivational interviewing to reduce stigma, and exploring feasible ways to coordinate with primary care providers. Participants will leave with concrete approaches to enhance patient-centered communication and better support efforts to end the HIV epidemic, all within the realities of a busy dental practice.

Speaker:
Anthony Santella, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, CP
Professor, Fairfield University

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the unique role of dental providers in HIV prevention and care, including opportunities for patient education and referral.
2. Apply communication best practices, such as motivational interviewing, to reduce stigma and build trust when discussing HIV-related issues with patients.
3. Identify strategies for improving care coordination between dental teams and medical providers to enhance outcomes for people at risk for or living with HIV.

Continuing Dental Education

The Association for Dental Safety (ADS) is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

ADS designates this activity for 1.00 continuing education credits.

This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between ADS and the New England AIDS Education and Training Center (NEAETC).

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

All participants assume individual responsibility for providing evidence of contact hours of continuing education to the appropriate authorities and for the maintenance of their individual records.

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