It’s 8 a.m., and patients shuffle into the Columbia Oral Health Clinic in South Carolina wearing a familiar look of dread. But while many must brave cavities (and the scary tools that fix them), they can unlock their jaws: At least they won’t have to worry about HIV discrimination. Twice a week, dentists sensitive to HIV care provide free services for positive people who lack insurance. The clinic encourages positive people to care for their teeth and gums, which are susceptible to infections, which can lead to bigger health problems. Funded by federal and state dollars and gifts from local organizations, the clinic has relied on volunteers to treat some 800 patients in the last eight years. Michael Negron, 40, who has been positive since 1993 and now works as a patient advocate at the clinic, says, “I can smile comfortably and freely.” Open wide.
