Oral health, HIV, TB and smoking: Addressing behavioral health

2^nd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs, & STIs

October 27-29, 2014 Embassy Suites Las Vegas, USA

Isabel Rambob

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

Since the beginning of the 21st century, we are facing the convergence of several epidemics. These include tobacco smoking, tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infection. These epidemics interact by way of increasing disease susceptibility and worsening outcomes. To control these interacting epidemics, it is crucial to better understand each infection and how it influences the others. The association between tobacco smoke and TB was suggested many years ago. Evidence of the impact of tobacco smoking on TB infection has been confounded by its almost universal association with poverty, overcrowding and alcohol usage. Similar pathological mechanisms induced by malnutrition, alcohol abuse and smoking may indeed all predispose an individual to TB. Although both tobacco smoking and HIV infection may be associated through their common associations with poverty and high-risk behavior, tobacco smoking appears to be an independent and important risk factor for contracting HIV. Smoking further raises the extremely high risk of contracting TB in HIV+ individuals. Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at risk for many oral health problems, particularly those who are smokers. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are more likely to experience chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes that are linked to poor oral health status. This presentation will describe the impact of HIV, TB and tobacco use on the oral health of PLWHA; it will discuss the importance of multidisciplinary health teams in the oral care for PLWHA; and it will suggest concrete steps that clinicians can take to promote positive behavioral health changes in PLWHA.

Biography :

Isabel Rambob received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of Feira de Santana, Brazil in 1997. She completed a one-year Program in Advanced Education in Comprehensive Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry in 2007. She then pursued and completed one-year Residency Program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Howard University College of Dentistry in 2008. She was a dental provider at HIV+ clinic and a clinical instructor at Special Needs clinic at University of Maryland School of Dentistry from 2009-2012. She was the dental director at National Minority AIDS Education and Training Center from 2009-2010. She was a HIV/AIDS & oral health preceptor at Howard University College of Medicine from 2009-2010. She was the dental director at Health Care for the Homeless Maryland from 2010-2011. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at University of Maryland School of Dentistry at the Department of General Dentistry. She is also a guest lecturer at New York University College of Dentistry, Howard University College of Dentistry and VA Medical Center Baltimore.