The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, through its HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT), conducted an overview and orientation lecture on HIV and AIDS for dental practitioners from Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Muntinlupa Chapter on July 31, 2017 at the Acacia Hotel, Alabang.

“This lecture aimed to equip and educate PDA dentists with the right knowledge and understanding in handling patients with HIV infection,” said HACT Chair Dr. Manolito Chua as he explained the purpose of this preparatory step before the Institute begins with its provision of dental services to HIV patients.

The training follows the recent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between RITM and PDA’s dental health collaboration program that will run for five years.

RITM medical experts equipped 38 PDA dental practitioners. According to PDA Muntinlupa Chapter President Dr. Victor Victoria, “this training provided our dentists with a thorough education on HIV and AIDS management. I believe that this partnership would help improve the quality of life of HIV patients through education and quality oral health care services”

RITM scheduled its HIV dental clinic to run this August and will be using the mobile dental van donated by the Department of Health. “The provision of dental services will fill a very important gap in the assistance that the Institute offers to HIV patients,” ended Dr. Chua.

by Allenor Enciso, Communication and Engagement Office [RITM Web Team]