Dental ethics case 17. What are my obligations and ethical responsibilities when treating patients with HIV?

A 20 year old female patient presented with recurrent ulcers in and around her mouth that have not been amenable to treatment. Intra-oral examination revealed multiple creamy-white lesions on her mouth, cheeks and buccal mucosa. The dentist suspected that the recurrent ulcers and candidiasis were oral manifestations of HIV and wondered whether he could refuse to treat her. He then decided to confront her with his suspicions of her being HIV-positive, in the presence of his dental assistant and within earshot of his receptionist. The patient was highly embarrassed and rushed out of the surgery.