HIV Dental Ombudsperson and Ryan White Dental Treatment Fund
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What is the HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program?
The HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program (HIV DOP) is a government-funded program to improve dental care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The program helps patients find quality dental care, investigates discrimination complaints, and educates people about the oral health needs of people with HIV/AIDS.
The Boston Public Health Commission is in charge of the program. Funds come from the Ryan White CARE Act and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
What is the Ryan White Dental Treatment Fund?
The Ryan White Dental Treatment Fund pays for dental services for HIV clients who cannot otherwise afford dental care. The Dental Treatment Fund is part of the federally funded Ryan White CARE Act, whose goal is to make it easier for people living with HIV/AIDS to get health care.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program (HIV DOP), you must:
- be HIV-positive
- live in Massachusetts (or southern New Hampshire)
For the Dental Treatment Fund, you must also fill out an enrollment form and:
- be uninsured for dental
- or have limited dental coverage
- or be denied coverage for needed dental services
The HIV DOP and Dental Treatment Fund are for adults and children. There are no age restrictions.
What benefits will I get?
The HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program offers these benefits:
- referrals to dental providers who are sensitive to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
- investigation of HIV-related discrimination complaints and other barriers to quality dental care
- education about the oral health needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
- enrollment of eligible patients in the Dental Treatment Fund
The Dental Treatment Fund will pay for dental treatment for people with HIV/AIDS who have no other way of paying for dental care. Covered services include:
- routine dental care (diagnostic, restorative, and preventive)
- emergency services to relieve pain or prevent infection
- other services with prior approval
Some services are limited. For a list of covered services, see the HIV DOP Providers Manual (PDF) from the Boston Public Health Commission.
How do I apply?
For referrals, information, or to apply for services, contact the HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program:
HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program
774 Albany Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Telephone: 617-534-4717
E-mail:
All information you give to the HIV DOP, including HIV status, is confidential. The program will only use the information to determine eligibility, provide services, and pay claims. See HIV Dental Program Enrollment Checklist (PDF) for details.
To apply for the Dental Treatment Fund:
- You should contact the HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program or any of the dental providers listed under Where can I get dental care?
- You must provide proof of HIV status and proof of income
- You must fill out an enrollment form and sign a consent form for release of information
Where can I get dental care?
The HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program (HIV DOP) at 617-534-4717 can help you find a dental provider who will meet your needs, and who accepts payment from the Dental Treatment Fund, MassHealth, or whatever insurance you have.
You may also call any of the following dental providers who provide free services to patients with HIV/AIDS who are uninsured and cannot afford dental care. Covered services may vary from one location to another. Ask for a Ryan White enrollment form when you call.
Useful links
These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.
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HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program
Eligibility information and covered services for the HIV Dental Ombudsman Program. From the Boston Public Health Commission. Includes:
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Ryan White Treatment Fund brochure (PDF)
Information about the Ryan White Dental Treatment Fund for patients with HIV/AIDS, including a list of participating dental schools and institutions.
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HIVdent (www.HIVdent.org)
Advocacy and information resources about oral health for adults, adolescents, and children living with HIV disease. From the International AIDS Society-USA.
HIV Dental Ombudsperson Program section last updated on 9/17/09
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