Leeds HIV and Dentistry report new DH impact

In January 2014 Healthwatch Leeds sought the views of people living with HIV in Leeds, regarding health and social care services. Concerns were raised about stigma and discrimination whilst accessing dental services. Following this, Healthwatch carried out a survey about access to dental care with people living with HIV in Leeds. It aimed to understand the experience and barriers faced by people living with HIV when accessing a dentist. They surveyed 253 people.

The majority of respondents said they were not satisfied with the care and treatment at their dental practice. Key themes arising from the survey are:

• Concern and fear from patients that disclosing their HIV status will have an adverse effect on their treatment
• Breaches of the Equality Act 2010 by dentists refusing treatment to patients that have disclosed their HIV status
• Breaches of NHS staff contractual responsibilities with regards to confidentiality
• 30% of respondents highlighted that their choice of appointment times were restricted. Others were asked to find another dentist following disclosure
• A significant number of respondents were concerned with their dentist’s lack of knowledge and awareness of HIV
• A lack of dentists taking on NHS patients, further limits access and choice for people living with HIV
• Only 8% of respondents stated that they had received a positive overall experience. For example they felt involved in discussions about treatment and payment plans, or they received good advice and information.