Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects 2008-210X 10 4 2016 12 21 HIV stigma: perceptions from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in a community dental clinic 263 269 10.15171/joddd.2016.042 EN Steven Toth Jill A. York Nicholas DePinto Journal Article 10.15171/joddd.2016.042 2016 12 30 2016 12 31 Background. In the medical sense, stigma has been defined as the collection of negative attitudes and beliefs that are directed at people living with a particular condition or disease process. A cohort study was conducted to explore the HIV stigma that is perceived by HIV-positive individuals versus that perceived by the general population within a community-based dental clinic. Methods. Two separate and independent cross-sectional surveys, the Berger Stigma Scale and the Rutgers-Modified Berger Stigma Scale, were employed in order to analyze the stigma factors of an HIV-positive population versus an HIV-negative general population, respectively. The HIV stigma factors studied included personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concern with public attitudes. Results. The total stigma scale scores for the studied HIV-positive population were significantly lower than the total stigma scale scores for the studied HIV-negative population (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Interestingly, there is a misplaced expectation by the general population that HIV-positive individuals experience more stigma than the HIV-positive population in the clinic actually reported. Interventions to reduce HIV stigma should be an integral component of comprehensive care for all patients.