The Fulton County Department for HIV Elimination (DHE) administers Oral Health Services to individuals living with HIV, ensuring access to outpatient dental care, prevention, and therapy by licensed dental professionals. The program is designed to provide consistent, high-quality oral health care across the Atlanta Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA). As a contractor, AHF is responsible for delivering outpatient dental care—including diagnosis, prevention, and therapy—by licensed dental professionals to eligible clients.

Funding: Oral Health Services are funded through multiple sources, including Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Parts A, B, C, and the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. Funding is subject to service caps, which may be based on dollar amount, procedure type, or number of procedures, as determined by the Planning Council or Grantee.

Administrative Oversight: The DHE oversees program administration, ensuring compliance with quality management standards and service delivery requirements. Subrecipients must maintain documentation of licensure, certification, treatment plans, and services provided, which are subject to desk audits and site visits by DHE and HRSA. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a contractor for these services and must ensure that all services meet the quality standards set by the Department for HIV Elimination (DHE) and comply with current dental care guidelines, licensure, and certification requirements. AHF is required to maintain detailed documentation for each client, including treatment plans, dental records, and any referrals made, which are subject to audits and site visits by DHE and HRSA.

Regulatory Body: The program operates under the authority of the Public Health Service Act and is regulated by the HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), Division of Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Programs, and the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Clinical decisions are guided by the American Dental Association and Dental Practice Parameters.

The Referral Loop: The process for accessing oral health services involves several coordinated steps:
Medical Outpatient Care: Clients may be identified for oral health needs during routine HIV medical care.
Doctor Request: A primary care provider or HIV specialist identifies the need for dental services and initiates a referral.

Secure Authorization: The referral is documented and authorized according to program requirements, ensuring eligibility and compliance with service caps.

Specialist Treatment: The client receives care from a licensed dental professional, who develops and signs an individualized treatment plan. Services may include preventive, emergency, endodontic, periodontal, prosthetic, or surgical care.

Primary Care Return: After dental treatment, the client returns to their primary care provider for ongoing medical management. Dental records and treatment outcomes are shared as appropriate to support integrated care.

Scope of Coverage: Covered services include initial and emergency dental visits, endodontic care, oral pathology management, oral surgery, periodontal care, preventive care, and prosthetic care (such as dentures and crowns). Services must fall within specified service caps, which may be based on dollar amount, type of procedure, or number of procedures, as determined by the Planning Council or Grantee. Only services provided by appropriately licensed and certified dental professionals are covered. All services must be in accordance with current dental care guidelines and the DHE Subservice Guide. Preventive care and prosthetic care are funded only by certain funding sources (A, B, C), and not all funding sources cover every type of service

Services are available to all eligible persons living with HIV in the Atlanta EMA, regardless of whether they receive primary care at the same site. All care is provided by appropriately licensed and certified dental professionals, with adherence to current dental care guidelines and quality standards.

Proof of HIV Status: Lab report showing a positive HIV viral load, Western Blot, or a signed medical diagnosis form from a licensed Physician.

Proof of Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail showing you live within the state or county service area (unhoused individuals can submit a letter from a shelter or caseworker.

Proof of Income: Recent Pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, or a notarized letter of support showing your household income falls below the local limit.

Income limits in Georgia: Your income cannot exceed the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Percentage of 400% $62920.

How to Access Fulton County Oral Health Services:

If you are a patient of any of the AHF Healthcare Centers in Fulton County:
Referral Initiation: Discuss your oral health and dental needs with your AHF Primary Care Provider (PCP) or Case Manager to begin the process to access dental services through a participating dental clinic.

Eligibility Verification: The dental clinic will verify your eligibility. You will need to provide proof of HIV status, proof of residency in the Atlanta area, and proof of income to ensure you meet the program's requirements.

Making an Appointment: Once your referral is received and your eligibility is confirmed, you (the patient) are responsible for scheduling your dental appointment. The clinic may assist you with this process, but you have the ability to call or visit the clinic to set up your initial visit.

Initial Dental Visit: At your first appointment, the dentist will review your medical and dental history, perform a comprehensive dental exam, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Any additional referrals for specialized dental care will be made as needed.

Ongoing Care and Coordination: After your dental treatment, the clinic will keep records of your care and share relevant information with your PCP to ensure your overall health needs are coordinated.

For Non-Patients (Not Currently in HIV Medical Care): You do not have to get your regular medical care at the same place as your dental care. If you are living with HIV and meet the program's requirements, you can still use these dental services. You will need to provide proof of your HIV status, proof that you live in the Atlanta area, and proof of your income. Contact a participating dental clinic or the Department for HIV Elimination to find out how to apply and what documents you need. Once you are approved, you can schedule a dental appointment and receive care just like other eligible patients.

Key Point for this program in Fulton County:
Patients play an active role in the process by providing required documents and scheduling their own appointments after a referral is made. The process is designed to be patient-friendly, allowing you to access care at participating clinics even if you do not receive your primary medical care at that location.

Example: If your HIV doctor refers you to AHF for dental care, you will bring your eligibility documents to AHF, call or visit to make your appointment, and then receive your dental services as outlined in your treatment plan.