HIV Outpatient Dental Clinic

The HIV Outpatient Program (HOP) Dental Clinic provides dental care to patients infected with HIV/AIDS. A part of the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans and staffed by LSUHSC School of Dentistry (LSUSD), the clinic is one of the few in the nation that is located in a primary-care medical facility. This comprehensive model allows for the provision of dental care as a fully integrated component of total outpatient health care for the HIV patient. The HOP Dental Clinic, staffed with specialized practitioners using the most up-to-date equipment, allows HIV/AIDS patients to get early and comprehensive intervention.

Dr. Jeevan Yenuganti, Assistant Professor of Oral Medicine and GPR, Comprehensive Dentistry and Biomaterials, serves as director of the HIV dental clinic. His expertise isin the area of oral medicine in the HIV/AIDS population. Dr Yenuganti also serves as the LSUHSC School of Dentistry's director of the Tobacco Control Initiative. HIV/AIDS is also one of his primary areas of research.

HIV/AIDS patients are more susceptible to severe oral lesions, decay, and aggressive dental diseases affecting the gums. These type of lesions can be difficult to diagnose and frequently require a specialized dental professional to identify and address a  problem quickly before it becomes too serious. Often, the oral lesions can become so severe that patients are unable to eat, causing further deterioration to their fragile health. Some cases become critical as the lesions and resultant lack of proper nutrition can lead to death. The interrelationship of oral health and the overall physiological health of the entire person cannot be overemphasized -- 100% of all antiviral medications are given in relation to food intake. Oral pain discourages patients from eating thus potentially interfering with strict medication regimens.

Patient Information
To access dental care services, patients should call 504-826-2178 to discuss eligibility requirements. The dental clinic provides restorative and preventive oral health care. For more information, please visit www.hopclinic.org/dental.htm.

*HOP has MOVED
to 2235 Poydras Street, near S. Galvez.
(Click here for directions.)