A UK study exploring HIV testing in dental clinics found strong patient acceptance but significant barriers to large-scale implementation.
Researchers noted that about 5% of people with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed, and nearly half of all cases are identified too late. The study aimed to assess whether point-of-care testing in dental settings could reach populations not typically accessing healthcare.
An opt-out HIV testing program launched in May 2019 across four central London dental sites: two community clinics serving homeless populations, one NHS general practice, and one private clinic.
Adult patients with sufficient English were offered a rapid finger-prick HIV test and asked to complete a questionnaire. Of 441 patients offered testing, 211 accepted, and 306 completed the survey.
No previously undiagnosed HIV cases were detected. Test uptake was highest among younger adults and lowest in the 60–69 age group. Patients from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds were more likely to accept testing than white patients. Uptake was higher in community and NHS settings (two-thirds) than in the private clinic (over one-third).
Survey respondents largely supported HIV testing in dental clinics, felt comfortable with dentists performing tests and delivering results, and disagreed that testing should be limited to medical or sexual health specialists.
Key motivators for testing included the importance of knowing one’s HIV status and the convenience of chairside testing. Reasons for declining included low perceived risk, recent testing elsewhere, or not wanting a test on the day. Notably, about one-third of those tested had never been tested previously.
Despite positive responses, researchers concluded that scaling this model nationally would require major systemic changes due to costs, recruitment, and operational challenges.
The study, “Point-of-care HIV testing in UK dental settings: Outcomes of a feasibility and acceptability study,” was published online on November 21, 2025, in the British Dental Journal.
In related news, UNAIDS has warned that global HIV prevention efforts face a severe setback. The agency’s “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” report highlights a 30–40% drop in international funding in 2025, disrupting community-led services in low- and middle-income countries. Prevention programs, particularly for adolescent girls and young women, have been dismantled, risking rising infection rates.
Currently, 40.8 million people live with HIV/AIDS, with 1.3 million new infections recorded in 2024. UNAIDS warns that failure to meet 2030 targets could result in 3.3 million additional new infections by 2030. Executive Director Winnie Byanyima urged global leaders to uphold health rights and maintain momentum in the fight against HIV.