So, I went to the dentist today.

[Ohiogal]

Annual checkup and cleaning.

Two days ago the office called me to tell me to stay in my car upon arrival, and call or text to let them know I was there, and then wait until they contacted me back to come in, which I did. And, to remind me to wear a face mask. I said, you bet.

They called me to come on in not five minutes later after I called. I entered an empty waiting room and was instructed to sit on the one side of the room away from the doors. Hand sanitizer and a plexiglass barrier were at the front desk.

As I waited, a patient came out and left. She was wearing a mask. Then another patient came out and left, he was masked up, too.

Everyone in the place was wearing masks.

Hygienist and dentist who worked on me both were chatty. (I’ve been going there at least ten years). Both made a derogatory comment about Trump in the conversation! The hygienist was all suited up and even wore a face shield. Everyone was very courteous.

So now it’s all done and I don’t have to come back for another year. (They always try to tell me I should come in every six months, but since I don’t have dental insurance, I go once a year instead). He gives me a bit of a price break for paying cash, which I appreciate.

It was nice to see everyone in compliance and no idiots making a stink about having to wear a mask!

[RussBLib]

1. good to hear

I have my annual cleaning/check-up scheduled for next month.

[PCIntern]

2. Great! That's exactly how it should be

Including the remark about Trump!

😄😷

[stopbush]

3. I had my semi-annual check-up/cleaning last Thursday.

Co-pay was $15 on my Medicare dental plan (I pay $20 a month for my Medicare Advantage add-on of dental, vision and hearing).

My appointment was moved back twice as the office was only allowed to do emergency procedures until CA opened things up a bit.

Everyone was masked. Only two patients at a time in the waiting room.

[Ohiogal]

6. That Medicare plan

Will be something for me to look forward to in a couple years!

I have a health plan through the ACA right now... no dental, vision, or hearing. Trying to limp along until I can get Medicare....

[stopbush]

11. I understand. Before my Medicare dental I had an ACA plan. That check-up/cleaning

ran anywhere from $90-150.

[Ohiogal]

12. Yep

I paid $135 today, and that was with a discount for paying cash.

My sister who has had Medicare for one year now, said her regular dentist doesn’t take Medicare so she’s looking for another one who will. I guess there are some who won’t accept it.

[stopbush]

16. My dentist takes Medicare but not Medicaid.

[yellowdogintexas]

21. independent Dental plans are available to anyone and most dentists take them

Also, the Medicare advantage plans are in fact tied to insurance companies. I'd ask again to be sure that they only meant basic Medicare. If she has an Advantage plan, the insurance company she bought it from should have a list of participating dentists.

Besides, regular Medicare only covers dental if due to injury. Also if you are having radiation treatments to your head, all teeth with metal fillings must be extracted. Medicare will cover that and you will probably want to see an Oral Surgeon so you could find one that takes Medicare.

[Hortensis]

4. Glad they're being that careful, but many dentists are not

scheduling cleanings because they pose such a hazard -- above all to the staff who do them. Perhaps the dentist examined the incidence of COVID in that area and made an informed judgement that the risk was low enough.

Nevertheless, I just bet she wore a face shield with all that oral particulate matter and water flying all over her and around the room.

Congrats on getting your teeth cleaned and that nice feeling, btw. Never thought I'd actually be envious of that, but we also were past due when this all started.

[Ohiogal]

7. Oh, yes

I sort of know the hygienist down there since Ive been a patient there for around ten years. She asked me how did I like her fashion statement ... paper suit, mask, gloves, glasses, and face shield.

I also had my temperature taken before they took me back.

[Hortensis]

10. :) I was briefly in a COVID ward (ruled out), and she sounds

like the aliens who took good care of me there, face shield and all. I took pictures of them, and staring at me without the "smiling" chat they really do look like something out of a science fiction movie.

[Ohiogal]

13. Glad you're okay!

[Hortensis]

17. Thanks. Except for real worry about my 79-year-old DH getting it,

I actually mostly felt cross that all our precautions and sacrifices might not have been enough.

[Ohiogal]

19. I certainly hear you on that.

[yellowdogintexas]

22. my dentist and hygienist have always worn masks

Face shields if any drilling etc.

[Hortensis]

31. Good for them for shields. Ours wore masks over

at least the past decade or two (don't remember before), but not shields. And it's not like contagious disease is a new thing.

[SoCalNative]

5. Still waiting for my dentist's office to call

to reschudule my appt from early April. I can live with longer hair for a bit longer, but I really want my cleaning!

[catchnrelease]

30. I just made appt yesterday

I'm in SoCal and was due for cleaning earlier this month. I normally get a reminder card from my dentist about a month ahead of when I should call. Since I hadn't heard anything I called yesterday and the receptionist said they were just re-opening after being closed for the past 2 months. They are trying to do scheduling so that there is only one patient there at a time. Plus the other 'usual' precautions. I was worried that they had closed their business, but sounds like they're ok.

[GeorgeGist]

8. Me too ...

unfortunately my Dentist doesn't require that patients wear a mask. STUPID. Capitulation to the ignorant few.

[Ohiogal]

14. I don't get it.

Stores can tell you “no shirt, no shoes, no service” and no one bats an eye.

But God forbid we tell patients entering a medical practice to wear a mask!

[Ms. Toad]

9. I'm just back from the endodontist (also in Ohio)-

Not quite as good. Same routine about staying in the car. But they do not require customer masks and fewer than half were wearing them.

Since root canals involve at least some aerosolization, that surprised me since lingering aerosolized droplets, air circulation, and open cubes would strike me as an ideal way to pass coronavirus from one patient to another if customers are not wearing masks. I recognize you cannot wear a mask while having dental treatment, but it would seem to me wearing masks until you are seated would be best practices.

Doors all require some hand contact, and no sanitizer to use after going through the doors. Lots of frequent wipe-down of other surfaces.

First trip to this endodontist - he may not be able to save the tooth, but of the three I've been to I would put him tied for #1 (aside from wishing he would have been a bit more demanding of his customers.

[Ohiogal]

15. That's disappointing

that there’s no mask requirement there. I sure don’t envy you having a root canal! Hope everything works out!

[Ms. Toad]

28. We'll see.

I started having symptom sometime before my January dentist's appointment, was immediately referred - but the first available appointment was in March (when everything was closed).

The root canal was relativley painless (the nerve had completely died), but the tooth was cracked and there is some bone loss. The latter makes it perhaps a 50% chance of success. I'll know in 2 weeks.

I felt sorry for the endodontist. The woman ahead of me was pretty freaked out (and took longer than anicipated), then even though I'm an extraordinarily easy patient (I took a few catnaps during the procedure) he ran into problems with me that weren't evident from the X-ray my doctor sent so he had to stop, do a few more films, chat with me about options, and then finish up. He was probably close to an hour late for his 3rd patient of the day.

[PCIntern]

18. In PA we as dentists have very stringent PPE...

The penAlties for not following new standards are draconian.

[Ms. Toad]

25. Does it include the clients wearing masks

when not actively being treated?

All the employees were appropriately garbed. My concerns were only about doors (and lack of adjacent sanitizing stations) and unmasked patients.

[PCIntern]

33. Yes in Philadelphia.

[Fla Dem]

20. I went for the 1st time Tuesday since this whole thing started.

I already had an appointment scheduled for Tuesday, a 6 month check-up/cleaning. Same office, dentist, hygienist for almost 20 years I called last week to see if they were seeing clients. I was a bit leery about going and would not have been disappointed if they said they were not seeing patients yet.

Anyway yes they are open and keeping appts. I gave the women who I spoke with the 3rd degree about their sanitizing regime. She said all are masked, and if they are working on you they also wear a shield and gown. Temps are taken 2x a day. Of course gloves which they always wear.

So I arrive and go in. Sign said stop, stand here until called. Receptionist asks my name. Called right away and told to enter a side room. Tech has mask and asks me a series of questions. Do you feel sick, do you have a cough, have you been around anyone with the virus. About 6 questions. To each I answer '"No", but I also ask her the same question back. Not to be a smart aleck, but if they're think it's important enough to ask me, then I should also know their answer. Then takes my temp; 97.3. She says ok go to waiting room and your dental hygienist will be right with you.

So my hygienist is there waiting for me. She has a mask and is gowned. As we entered her work space she sanitized her hands. She had me place my small purse and keys on a clean paper towel on the counter. Once she starts working on me she puts on a pair of gloves and a face shield. She is a fast talker and with the mask and shield I could barely understand a word she was saying. For the most part, I felt relaxed and not at all concerned.

So was dreading going, but now glad I kept the appointment. I think they did all they could to ensure our safety.

[Ohiogal]

26. Wow they really did well.

I admit I was leery about going, too. But I think most of them are taking the proper precautions. And I don’t think anyone is out of line asking them about it beforehand, either! Glad your dentist’s office is so conscientious!

[Native]

23. As much as I'd like to see my dentist, I'm too worried about what's in the air.

I mean, they're working on open mouths so people have to remove their masks. The employees are protected, but I'd be right behind another patient who just left that room after expelling all manner of aerosolized droplets. Not to mention that the virus can enter through your eyes. I was gobsmacked reading about the virologist & MSNBC contributor who believes he caught the virus on a plane, and that the point of entry was his eyes.

[Fla Dem]

29. I forgot to mention in my post above ,

I forgot to mention in my post above, while I was being worked on my hygienist had me hold an air vacuum.

II wasn't that big maybe 1 1/2" in diameter. She had me hold it just below my chin pointed up. It wasn't loud at all. She said it was specifically to collect any air I may expel. Don't know how effective, but at least it was something.

[Native]

32. Thanks so much for that!!!!

[Heartstrings]

24. Have an appt for my 6 months cleaning in 2 weeks.

Received a text Yesterday with instructions to; call from parking lot when I’ve arrived for my scheduled appt and someone will come out to screen me, bring and be prepared to wear a mask, and all safety protocols have been put in place in the office.

[Ohiogal]

27. Sounds like they are taking all the proper precautions.

I admit I was leery about going, but once I was there I was relieved to see how careful they were being, for both patients and staff. And, like I said above, I don’t think anyone would be out of line calling ahead to ask about what they’re doing as far as what precautions they’re taking. A reputable office should be glad to tell you.

[Rhiannon12866]

34. I went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago. I postponed my scheduled appointment for a month

It was just for a checkup and cleaning, scheduled months ago, but my jaw where I had a lot of work done last year, fillings and a bridge, was really bothering me. But I also trust my dentist and I've known her a long time. She's treated my extended family since the '80s, was wonderful with my Dad when he had cancer and was facing radiation.

And she reassured me that they'd gone over the whole office and were only seeing one patient at a time. I only saw her and her assistant who I also like a lot. I just happened to be there on 9/11 - and had necessary dental surgery on election day 2016, so politics have certainly come up - and both of them are "one of us."

[katmondoo]

35. I don't have an IPhone (smart phone) I don't like them and cannot afford to buy one.

Causes problems at times.

[Ohiogal]

36. I hear you.

It’s annoying and frustrating when every business or service just assumes everyone has a smart phone with all manner of services on it. Mine is about the most basic you can get. The bells and whistles just aren’t in our budget right now. Maybe at a later date.

[True Blue American]

37. Have an appointment

With my Eye Specialist Monday. Online sign up did not go through because the code they gave me over the phone was said so fast I did not catch the first letter. I just waited until today for a phone call. Verified in that.

Have to wait in the car,call. I wonder how they will handle people who have no smart phone?

I onLy use mine for security and when meeting someone because I prefer my IPAD.

[Ohiogal]

38. You would think they'd have to have a Plan B

for those without phones.

I prefer my IPad, too.

[True Blue American]

39. They better be prepared to watch the parking lot.

I see too many who have no idea how to use a computer. I am lucky to have a computer expert who was very patient and bought my first computer. He can solve a problem over the phone.

We had 2 computer lessons at work when they changed over.

95% of computer problems can be solved by turning off, turning on,. Still true today

[ThoughtCriminal]

40. One of my great-grandfathers was a dentist

He died from the flu in 1919. Almost certainly exposure from his patients.

That said, I also went to the dentist yesterday for a check and cleaning. Filled out COVID-19 questionnaire, everybody was wearing masks and we have had very few cases in our community so I felt it was reasonably safe.

Do not underestimate the importance of dental health. Delayed issues can lead to really serious health problems.

[bhikkhu]

41. I went back to work this week, and I'm beginning to like the masks myself

Working as a mechanic for a car dealership in a partially open state, the whole front of the store which is public, we have to wear masks. And driving any customer's car, we have to wear masks. I have a pretty good one my mom made for me. So far it seems like people are appreciative and supportive. If I wear a mask it's for their safety, just in case, to not pick anything up or spread anything around. It's actually been more nice than inconvenient or problematic.

Back to work means back on health insurance, and probably a visit to the dentist before too long.

[Ohiogal]

42. Thank you for your post.

I do feel for anyone who has lost their job and, in turn, their health insurance, during this difficult and frightening time. Keep wearing that mask! I made one for every one in my family, too.

[Boomer]

43. I canceled my check-up and cleaning

And the receptionist asked when I wanted to re-schedule and I said I'd give them a call when I'm ready.

I don't necessarily want to go years without another check-up, but this is a risk I'm not willing to take for a cleaning.