Rush to a dentist for an HIV test

American dentists are now offering saliva tests that can detect HIV within minutes.

"The surprise factor is you are offering this," the New York Post quoted Dr Catrise Austin, who has tested some 100 patients for HIV at her Midtown clinic, since July this year, as saying.

She added: "The topic of HIV can be uncomfortable for some, so we decided we would talk about it with patients in a matter-of-fact way, the way we talk about cavities and gum disease."

Testing for HIV is simple: a patient's upper and lower gums are swiped with a $15 OraQuick Advance kit.

In 20 minutes, the swab changes colours to show if the result is positive or negative.

New York is now funding dental HIV tests at Metropolitan Hospital, Harlem Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center and some small community dental clinics.