HIV Outpatient Clinic

The HIV Outpatient Program (HOP) Dental Clinic provides dental care to patients infected with HIV/AIDS. Staffed by LSUHSC School of Dentistry (LSUSD) and a part of the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans, 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 is staffed with specialized practitioners, and employs the most up-to-date equipment, allows HIV/AIDS patients to get early and comprehensive intervention.

Dr. Janet Leigh, clinical coordinator and associate professor of clinical general dentistry, serves as director of the HIV dental clinic. Her expertise in the area of oral health care in the HIV/AIDS population is recognized nationally. She has served as chair of the Louisiana Governors Committee on HIV and AIDS, is a member of the Louisiana Statewide Statement of Need Committee, state dental coordinator for the Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center, and an expert witness for the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. HIV/AIDS is one of her 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 requires a specialized dental professional to identify and address the 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

In order to access dental care services, patients should call 504-903-7322 to discuss eligibility requirements. The dental clinic provides restorative and preventive oral health care. For more information, please visit www.hopclinic.org/dental.htm.