Inadequate oral health care can undermine the success of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) by exacerbating existing medical conditions, compromising adherence to an antiretroviral treatment regimen, and diminishing quality of life.  Most reported cases of HIV occur in communities where levels of oral health care utilization are among the lowest in the nation, and HIV patients have a higher risk of dental caries, and conventional — as well as atypical — gingival and periodontal diseases. Annual dental exams are integral to managing the oral health of HIV patients, providing opportunities for early detection and prevention of problems. 

Formula: The number of patients/clients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months who also had a dental exam in the past 12 months (as documented in the HIV primary care record and allowing for self-reporting). Divide by the number of patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.

Collect patient data monthly (or at the frequency established for your quality improvement effort). Identify your sample (patients who had HIV primary care visits in the previous 12 months). Count the number of patients within this sample who also had a dental exam in the past 12 months. Divide the number of patients with a dental exam by the total number of patients with at least one HIV primary care visit in the past 12 months. Multiply by 100 to calculate percent.