Author Topic: Dental ethics? (Read 4027 times)

ChaplinGuy · « **on:** January 23, 2007, 12:03:36 pm »

I just returned from a dentist appointment, and noticed while my chart was sitting open that my medical history check list does not have HIV/AIDS checked. It didn't even occur to me until I saw it, as I filled out those forms years ago.

Question for the group: do I have to tell my dentist of my current poz status, and if so what is the best way to handle? My concern now is that he'll want to know for how long and whether I failed to disclose sooner.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts.

ACinKC · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:05:57 pm »

Good dentists will treat everyone like they have our door prize! I didnt disclose to mine. I dont think it matters. Now if something happens where they hit an artery for whatever reason and decide to wash there eyes with my blood...you bet i'll tell em.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:11:48 pm »

I disclose my HIV to all of my medical/dental care professionals. If they have a problem with it (nobody EVER has, but I realize that may have something to do with where I access care) they're not very professional. It's '07, not '87.

By the time they wash your blood out of their eyes it's kind of late to tell them, isn't it?

ACinKC · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:15:08 pm »

Yes philly it would be. But they shouldnt be hitting that artery should they.

I should have added that i dont have anything done but a cleaning, if they had to drill or remove teeth or anything I would.

And I agree that they probably wouldnt have a problem, its more MY issue than theirs at this point. Im still working on me!

woodshere · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:34:24 pm »

When I go back to my dentist I will tell him just because I think it is important that anyone who is involved in any form of my health care know. Even though they take precautions with everyone I just think is important to tell.

I guess I would just tell them basically what was in your post. You are HIV+ and if they ask for how long tell them that. And then say it just didn't occur to you to tell them on your last visit. Good question.

Woods

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2007, 12:49:20 pm »

To be honest I've not really had to deal with the issue. My first dentist after diagnosis was my ID's very own dentist, and played Streisand during all procedures so... well, ya know. Pays to patronize the Gay Mafia doesn't it?

Right now I get care at Univ. of PA and they LOVE you with infected blood... it's their specialty. In fact I think they deny you service if you're not tainted.

Esquare · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2007, 02:18:38 pm »

I have yet to go to the dentist since being diagnosed and don't plan to anytime soon. When I do I believe I will go far outside of town and not disclose. A good friend of mine is a retired hygenist and has quite the network so I have that to worry with too. I brush and rinse with flouride based mouthwash plenty so I'm not so worried about it in the immediate future.

Chaplin, I'd not worry with it for now.

ChaplinGuy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2007, 02:49:39 pm »

Agreed, and think that unless I need some kind of major surgery I am not going to bring it up. Besides, I'm moving to Oregon next month which means I really should be concerned about having to actually CHECK that box next time I fill out the paperwork with a new dentist.

Seven · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:14:52 pm »

I told mine, he seems kool with it. I actually called when I got out of the hospital...and asked if they take hiv+ people (without telling them who I was) and they said yes, they do not discrimate. So I told them who I was made an appt, and it was all good. To come to think of it, I cancelled my last cleaning and never did re-book it. Opps. I missed a year of not being at the dentist. Oh well...who really likes hearing those noises anyways...YUCK

aupointillimite · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:53:20 pm »

I, like philly, tell all my other doctors (including the dentist) about being poz... mainly for my own purposes... in case there's something they know to look for that I don't.

I'm also praying for the day the receptionist says something she shouldn't, and I can sue under HIPAA laws. It's fun for me.

Tucsonwoody · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:59:10 pm »

Yup _ plan to tell mine next time I visit and if anyone wants more info on what the ADA has to say on the issue of treating HIV+ patients here is a link:

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/hiv/ethics.asp

It's a lengthy article, but basically says they are required to by law - American's with Disabilities Act for one. Also says they should treat all patients the same regardless of status.

Of course I'm not sure I'd want to be going to a dentist who had a problem with that or that I was taking to court...it's too painful as it is sometimes without giving my dentist another reason to add to it!

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:37:05 pm »

They should all be trained and wearing gloves like EVERY patient is infected with HIV anyway... I mean how many folks are running around town that aren't tested? That was most of us too before diagnosis.

But yes, all of that ADA stuff went down a decade ago or more. They should all be fully aware that they can't freak out when you.

jack · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2007, 04:57:09 pm »

I get recs from the local hiv groups or my hiv dr for all my medical needs. That way they know before you get there, and many of these drs are the guys who go the extra mile for hivers.
It is important for all medical pros to know if you are hiv +. The drs always seem interested in what is new in HIV and are very supportive. But thats down here in Texas.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2007, 05:04:44 pm »

Yeah, I agree. Any ID specialist worth anything for HIV treats so many of us that they have references for all of these other specialists. If they're not able to give you proper references then you might consider another option. Really, you're just going to run into frustration later. I recall (not fondly mind you) when I reached the point where all of a sudden I had start seeing SO many specialists for this and that having to do, sometimes peripherally, with HIV. It's the main reason you want an ID with a majority HIV patient list.

J.R.E. · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2007, 06:14:36 pm »

Hi There,

My dentist also knows of my HIV status. I've had the same dentist for almost 25 years now. There is very little if any discussion about my HIV. I am comfortable with him knowing.

Ray

Life · « **Reply #15 on:** January 23, 2007, 09:19:42 pm »

I talked with Dr. Ben about this before I disclosed. He said, "If they have a problem with it, you should have a problem with them." I told my dentist and he was very supportive and said to me "Eric, you think your the only one don't you?" I said, "well, yeah, in this town? yeah." He just laughed. I went on to see the teeth cleaning gal and she told me how important it is to keep watch over your mouth, throat cuz hiv meds can alter good gum lines etc. She then went on to tell me of a scare she had when she was cleaning a guys teeth. Her elbow slipped and one of the instruments with a sharp object penetrated her skin. The guy then disclosed to her. She had 6 months of hell on PEP not knowing. All the while if she would have known, maybe she would have been a bit more cautious during the cleaning? Maybe. All health care professionals are suppose to use protective barriers, but these still can be broken..... Im glad I did and they are always interested in how I am doing, numbers and such... and no cavs!

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Author Topic: Dental ethics? (Read 4027 times)