This is a cluster randomized trial among dental clinics (n=4) to evaluate whether rapid HIV testing (RHT) during dental visits improves HIV testing rates compared to referral for laboratory HIV testing. Clinics will be randomized to either RHT or referral for HIV testing for a nine-month period - HIV testing will be offered to n\~6700 patients by \~ 15 dental providers (dentists and dental hygienists). Outcomes will be assessed using electronic health record reports (EHR), which will include the completion rates of HIV testing among dental patients (84 days after dental visit) and the frequency at which dental providers offer HIV testing (Upon completion of the 9-month testing period). The objectives of this study are to: * Compare the effectiveness of on-site rapid HIV testing versus referral to a CHC lab in increasing HIV test completion within 84 days of a dental clinic visit, using EHR data. * Assess the sustainability of the HIV testing protocol by evaluating changes in dental clinic HIV testing rates over time.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
6,715
At the designated sites for RHT, providers will offer RHT to patients as part of their dental routine care.
At the designated sites for HIV testing referral, providers will offer an HIV test referral to the affiliated CHC laboratory to patients as part of their dental routine care.
South End Community Health Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Uphams Corner Health Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
East Boston Neighborhood Health
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Geiger Gibson Community Health Center
Dorchester, Massachusetts, United States
HIV Test Completed
The number of dental patients completing at least one HIV test within 84 days of their dental visit abstracted from the Electronic Health Records (EHR).
Time frame: 84 days
Sustainability
The number of dental patients completing at least one HIV test within 9 months of their dental visit abstracted from the Electronic Health Records (EHR).
Time frame: 9 months
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