Have been going to this dentist office for at least 29 years, always a good experience. Original dentist is a cool individual, never discussed politics or beliefs though statements he made lead me to believe he has based ideologies. Sold the business to another dentist, but still shows up occasionally to work.
They had to close for two months and are finally catching up with all of the canceled appointments. Had to fill out questionnaire, get temperature check. Yes it is agravatating, but mandated by the State Dental Board, not the dentist. My State has relaxed the mask mandate for general public, so was interesting to see how ridiculous the PPE required for them to wear is. N-95 mask with a disposable mask on top of that and face shield. Long sleeves, hair net and I had to wear safety glasses. Made it hard for me to breathe just looking at them. Could not use the newest ultrasonic cleaning equipment due to possibility of aerosolized droplets forming, so used paste and rubber tip spinning a brazilion rpm flinging it allover.
Hygienist told me how everyone in office was going home each night with migraines and/or stress headaches. Worring about a patient reporting any perceived violation of Dental Board mandates. Having to take breaks in between patients to get a few minutes of normal breathing.
What was really special about the visit was what the dentist and hygienist both told me. They've seen an uptick in depressed patients, which in turn leads to a decline in general hygiene. Also, this was the surprise, an increase in oral fungus. Not the regular thrush, something called Aspergillosis.
Said they would see it maybe once a year normally, but have seen over a dozen in last few months. Anecdotal evidence only, but their speculation is these stupid masks. What else could it be?
Not a super insightful and illuminating post, I know, just has been on my mind since the visit, thought I would share with you goats.
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[–] Brain_Spasm 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I went to the dentist last week. Similar situation. Had to wait in my car til they were ready, fill out questionnaires, temp check. When I saw the dentist and helper I laughed out loud. They looked like extras in that movie Outbreak. Full gown, mask, goggles, face shield... I had to apologize for laughing cause it really isn’t funny to them. I got a small cavity fixed and a cleaning. But they couldn’t use the water pic or the polishing tool due to aerosols. 30 minutes of work, $420 bill. I picked the wrong business.
[–] uvulectomy 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
You really didn't. I have a few family members in the dental field. What I've gathered from them is that the work itself is fine, and often interesting/rewarding. But the hassle of dealing with the patients themselves makes them want to go on a rampage most days.
[–] aduda [S] ago
I have heard the same thing. Having gone there nearly 30 years, have become familiar with some of the staff. Can usually tell by demeanor & body language if a previous patient(s) had been difficult.
[–] Brain_Spasm ago
Yeah dealing with people sucks. I’ve done my time in the customer service business. I am pretty good at dealing with horrible people but it gives me anxiety. I’m in construction now so we still have to deal with people but we are experienced enough to preempt any bitchyness. Or even better, we deal with the general contractor as a middle man and he deals with the customers.
[–] aduda [S] ago
Ha, forgot to add the part about calling from the parking lot. Wife took the reminder call the day before and didn't remember to tell me I had to call before going in. I was first patient and they were caught off guard and quite surprised when I just walked in.