Miami Herald (MH) - Tuesday, August 6, 1991
Rebecca Ross Albers; Herald Staff Writer

"It was felt that no matter how often we would call newspapers or television stations and tell our side of the story, we'd never get a story," said Dr. Franklin Boyar, a Delray Beach dentist and dental association president.

In a quarter-page advertisement that appeared in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, the association, based in Lake Worth and made up of dentists from Broward, Palm Beach, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties, urged legislators to change the classification of AIDS from a handicap to a life-threatening infectious disease.

"Because AIDS has been legislated as a handicap, AIDS patients receive an umbrella of protection by law. This shroud of secrecy remains the true danger with this disease," the ad said.

The dentists urged patients to "ask your dentist about office procedures, staff training, continuing education or even personal questions if you have concerns about your dental health and safety."

The ad also mentions Kimberly Bergalis, who contracted AIDS from Stuart dentist Dr. David Acer and is now near death.

"The Acer tragedy was a unique situation, in fact the only case in the world where AIDS was transmitted through a dental office."

The dentists said they "share the public's frustration and concern for Kimberly Bergalis, her family and anyone else affected by the AIDS virus. Although the tragedy has been scrutinized by governmental agencies, just how the virus was transmitted may never be fully determined."

The dentists criticized the media for spreading AIDS hysteria through "rumors, half-truths, and misinformation."

"Certain segments of any industry view a crisis as an opportunity for personal gain. It is incumbent for a responsible media to see through such motives and to seek out only responsible sources for their stories," the ad said.

Boyar said his association objects to dentists who advertise that they have tested HIV-negative or recommend patients buy their own dental instruments.

"Because the public is somewhat misinformed, they may think these ads are important or a good thing to do. People don't understand how the disease is transmitted, they're liable to bite for some advertisement. If you're dealing with facts and advertising based on someone's fears, which are unscientific, then it's a question of ethics," Boyar said.

Boyar said he supports the concept of mandatory testing, but believes it should be required of both patients and doctors. And he said current AIDS tests are not 100 percent accurate.

"The problem with the tests we have nowadays is that if you test positive you have the HIV virus, but if you test negative, it isn't truly indicative of whether or not you have it. There are a lot of chances for false negatives."

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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