Contributed by Helene Bednarsh
On December 1, 2010 the 23rd World AIDS Day was observed with the theme of "Universal Access and Human Rights." As we mark this day we think about the thousands of clients that we have assisted and countless dental professionals who have helped us provide this care. Our program truly provides a complete linkage to dental care for a population that needs our help.
The HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program (HIV DOP), Boston Public Health Commission, was established in 1991 and is funded by a grant from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Modernization Act Part A to the city of Boston and from funding through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. We are often referred to as Ryan White Dental. The primary goals of this program are to increase access to oral health care for persons with HIV/AIDS from eligible communities, educate consumers and providers and advocate for oral health.
For persons living with HIV or who are otherwise medically complex, sound oral health and access to comprehensive services is medically necessary. A diminished ability to fight infection due to a compromised immune system leaves people with HIV at risk of minor troubles escalating into major health problems. Poor oral health and missing teeth also affect the ability of people with HIV to maintain adequate nutrition. Anyone without adequate nutrition is medically vulnerable and it becomes more difficult for them to fight off infections and recover from illnesses. Dental problems can interfere with medication adherence, and since some prescriptions must be taken with food in order to be effective, this can place patients at risk for problems with medicine absorption, effectiveness, or may even lead contribute to the development of drug resistance.
Please feel free to contact Helene Bednarsh or Tony Silva with questions, enrollment information, and referrals.
HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 534-2344
Fax: (617) 534-2819
Email: HIVDental@bphc.org
Additional information can be found by clicking here
The American Diabetes Association 
