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Overview I Patient Information I Contact Us Overview 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.
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