HIV-AIDS: What the Dental Team Needs to Know

HIV-AIDS: What the Dental Team Needs to Know is organized by The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA).

Accreditation:
CE Credits: 4

Original Release Date: 2014
Review Date: 2019
?Expiration Date: 2022

Course Description:
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS) are catastrophic illnesses affecting millions of people worldwide. HIV damages and kills the cells of the body’s immune system by destroying the body’s ability to fight bacterial and viral infections. A person cannot get acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) without first having HIV. AIDS is the end stage of HIV infection. Without the ability to fight infection, the body is compromised and severe damage occurs, often resulting in hospitalization and death. Since there is no effective HIV vaccine, exposure prevention is the main approach to reduce health care professional-associated HIV transmission. Evidence-based information is provided about potential risks of exposure; procedures that promote a seamless response following occupational exposure; and guidelines to establish graduated clinical privileges predicated on the relative viral load of the infected provider and the likelihood of procedure-related provider-to-patient transmission of HIV.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

• Describe HIV and AIDS.
• Differentiate active and passive types of immunity.
• Discuss how HIV affects the immune system.
• Identify ways HIV is transmitted.
• Describe oral manifestations common for the HIV positive patient.
• Discuss methods to prevent transmission of HIV.
• Describe how HIV is being treated.
• Describe infection control measures to protect patients, dental healthcare workers and the community.
• Describe confidentiality protocols to protect HIV positive patient information.