Dentists Asked To Treat A.I.D.S. Patients (Press, 19 September 1985)

In September 1985, the A.I.D.S. Foundation in Auckland called for local dentists to volunteer for a specialised treatment directory aimed at supporting high-risk homosexuals and bisexuals. This initiative was highlighted in the national newsletter of the Dental Association. Dr Derrick Liggins, the executive officer of the association, expressed confidence that dentists in New Zealand were generally willing to provide treatment and were unlikely to refuse care to A.I.D.S. patients. Contrasting the situation in New Zealand, Dr Liggins noted the alarming trend in California where a significant number of dentists, having become aware that the HIV virus could be present in blood and saliva, were refusing to treat A.I.D.S. patients and those suspected of having the virus. This shortage of dentists willing to treat affected individuals in California was so severe that the Los Angeles County Health Department was compelled to establish a dedicated dental clinic staffed solely by homosexual dentists. Dr Liggins reassured that the New Zealand dental profession had not reached such a critical point and had not received any complaints related to dentists declining to treat A.I.D.S. patients. However, he acknowledged that dentists were acutely aware of the risks associated with the disease and had been provided with strict health guidelines to follow when treating A.I.D.S. patients. The Health Department's guidelines for dentists included specific protocols such as wearing gloves, face masks, glasses, and surgical gowns during procedures. Furthermore, dentists were advised to schedule A.I.D.S. patient treatments for the end of the day, allowing adequate time for thorough sterilisation of instruments and treatment surfaces before attending to other patients. They were also instructed to cover surfaces with disposable materials that could be sterilised and safely incinerated after use. In response to heightened awareness and concern about A.I.D.S., some dentists had begun using protective gear for all patients and inquired about their potential risk of exposure to the virus. This approach reflected a broader commitment within the dental community to ensure both patient and practitioner safety amid the growing health crisis represented by A.I.D.S.

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