[A role of dentists in the management of HIV-infected persons].

Oral manifestations of HIV infection include hairy leukoplakia, Sjögren's syndrome-like conditions, necrotizing stomatitis, Kaposi's sarcoma, and a variety of opportunistic viral or mycotic infections. The well awareness of HIV-associated oral lesions can contribute to the early detection and diagnosis of HIV infection. Prevention and early treatment of common oral diseases including dental caries and periodontal disease, which may evolve into necrotizing gingivitis and stomatitis under immunodeficiency, is required to maintain quality of life and to improve prognosis of persons with AIDS. It is to be desired that many dentists take part in teams of the management of HIV-carrier. Another major issue is protection from HIV infection during dental treatment procedures. It is thought now that there is little probability of transmitting HIV infection during dental treatment. Current fears regarding virus-borne disease including hepatitis-B and AIDS have prompted changes in dentistry's approach to infection control. Fear, ignorance and uncertainty, however, produce irrational behavior of dental staffs and persons without HIV infection toward patients with HIV infection. It is expected that the general public as well as dental staffs has a satisfactory knowledge about HIV infection.