Sara Metcalf

The overarching goal of the study is to leverage systems science in modeling strategies for primary care screening and referral in the dental setting that can improve patient and public health. Significant opportunities for offering such services at chairside exist for 3 infections that cause preventable morbidity and mortality: HIV, HCV, and HPV. HIV screening in the dental chair using an oral swab has been previously demonstrated to be feasible and acceptable to dental patients, including by project team members. HCV screening at chairside could significantly reduce the prevalence of HCV+ individuals who are unaware of their status, advance the goal of universal screening for people born in the years 1945-1965, and educate dental patients about oral health-related behaviors that could increase the risk of HCV transmission, such as sharing toothbrushes. Screening dental patients on whether they or their children have had the HPV vaccine can be coupled with patient education about risks related to HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. The project's key focus is on identifying and simulating best practices for HIV, HCV, and HPV screening and referral by dental providers.