Clinical decision tool for HIV testing in dental settings

This technology is a customized shared Electronic Health Record (EHR) software for clinical decision support to integrate HIV screening into dental practices.

Unmet Need: Widely accessible HIV testing

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Although a significant portion of the population lives with HIV, testing for HIV is stigmatized and not widely accessible. The only way to confirm a patient has HIV is through increased access and availability of HIV testing as well as educating the public of potential risks and symptoms. For this purpose, it is crucial to integrate testing for HIV into the standard practice of care.

The Technology: Software for managing HIV testing and operational workflows in the dental setting

This software establishes a shared Electronic Health Record (EHR) system for integrating HIV screening into dental practices. The technology aims to provide HIV testing as a standard of care by incorporating dental clinics as test providers and to identify at-risk patient populations using the Best Practice Advisory (BPA) tool within the EHR. Potential candidates for HIV screening can be selected based on their history of HIV testing and additional diagnosis. An automated pop-up alert notifies dental providers to order a POC lab test easily. This BPA tool will support clinicians with public health strategies toward ending the HIV epidemic by seamlessly embedding HIV testing into dental care, making it more routine, efficient, and widely accepted.

Applications:

• HIV screening
• Patient management software
• Research tool for studying the stigma and social perception around HIV and HIV testing
• Research tool for studying the relationship between dental health and HIV or other viral infections
• HIV screening strategies

Advantages:

• Simplifies the integration of routine care with infectious disease testing
• Implements an evidence-based approach to identifying which patients to offer HIV testing
• Leverages healthcare providers in the dental setting to expand HIV testing
• Increases access to HIV testing
• Increases awareness of HIV testing and risks to new patient populations
• Increases the efficiency of tracking HIV testing and lab results

Lead Inventor:

Sharon Perelman, DDS

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU24031

• Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez