Indonesian Dental Association addresses HIV patient rejection reports

The Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI) has addressed reports of a TikTok content creator, who is living with HIV, claiming to have been rejected by 10 different dentists for dental examinations.

Dr. Eka Erwansyah, Secretary General of PDGI, stated that an individual's HIV status must not be used as a reason to deny them access to dental healthcare services. He noted that while dentists have the right to consider clinical conditions, facilities, and professional competence, decisions should not be based solely on a patient's HIV status.

Dr. Erwansyah emphasized the need to distinguish between discriminatory rejection and rejections based on legitimate medical considerations, such as a patient requiring more specialized facilities due to potential complications. The PDGI continues to process public reports regarding alleged violations of medical discipline and ethics.