April 2009

The Importance of Dental Care

Uninsured PLWHA [people living with HIV/AIDS] are three times more likely to have untreated dental and medical needs than are PLWHA with private insurance. Moreover, oral infections, mouth ulcers, and other severe dental conditions associated with HIV infections go untreated more than twice as often as other health problems related to the disease.

                                                                   HRSA Care Action, August 2008

HIV can make individuals more susceptible to oral infections. Dental complications can also limit the absorption of nutrients from food, impeding the efficacy of HIV medications. In Minnesota, a major barrier to dental care can be finding a provider who accepts public insurance and has openings for clients with this type of coverage.  The AIDSLine has put together a list of dental providers who have openings for people with MA or Program HH coverage in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The AIDSLine can also assist in finding dental providers in Greater Minnesota.  We also welcome your additions to our list.  If you know of a provider who works well with your clients, let us know and we will contact that provider and find out the information we need.  

To find dental or other resources for your client, contact the AIDSLine at 612-373-2437 or 1-800-248-2437.

MAP AIDSLine, Modernized! 

The MAP AIDSLine is online. We have added features to the MAP Web site that gives HIV prevention and service information to people how and when they want it. Explore our new tools and information online and help spread the word!

Access all of the new AIDSLine features at: www.mnaidsproject.org/aidsline

Our new features include:

The HIV Risk Calculator:  An interactive quiz that helps people understand their HIV risk, regardless of their HIV status. At the end of the quiz, a customized results page describes their risk level and offers suggestions on how to reduce it.

The HIV Services Locator: Can match the needs of an HIV-positive person with the program or programs that can help meet those needs. The Services Locator makes referrals to appropriate agencies and provides descriptions of services provided as well as contact and eligibility information.

The HIV Community Calendar is a one-stop shop designed to keep the HIV community updated on events, trainings, support groups, forums and other activities that are of interest to providers, clients, or the general public . We need your help to keep the calendar current. Please visit the HIV Community Calendar and submit an email with details of upcoming events at your agency.

Educational Pamphlet and Brochure Ordering: All educational pamphlets and brochures available through the AIDSLine can be ordered online. Go to our materials ordering page and pick out desired materials, then complete the order form. Materials will be sent out in a few days.

Online Chats: Online AIDSLine educators answer questions about HIV, provide accurate and non-judgmental HIV risk assessments, make referrals to testing sites , and help find appropriate programs services and resources. The AIDSLine Online chat feature is availableMonday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. All AIDSLine Online chats are anonymous and confidential.

Learn more about all of these features and access them at www.mnaidsproject.org/aidsline.