The ethical foundations of a duty to treat HIV-positive patients.

Unfortunately, those who commit the most egregious acts of HIV-related discrimination may not be motivated to change either by fines and sanctions, or by educational programs. Perhaps the best solution to dealing with the small, but significant, number of health care providers who discriminate against HIV-positive patients is the action of the majority. Most dentists are ethical and concerned health care professionals, who willingly care for patients with a wide array of medical problems. This majority must continue to serve as an example to those who refuse to care for HIV-positive patients, and must make it clear that such actions are professionally intolerable.