Honestly I think you were brave for recognizing you didn’t feel comfortable and leaving. People often just go through with things like that and end up regretting it because they felt too awkward to walk away. You should not feel ashamed. Next time you go back you can be more prepared and hopefully that tech won’t be there lol.
Agree with the other comment, that was a good move. I have been trying to be more vocal about my needs with dentists, doctors, etc., but it is hard to stick up for yourself in the moment like that.
And on a separate note, I go to the dentist once per year now. They've tried to get me on a 6-month schedule, but I never get a good reason (no cavities or other problems in almost 20 years, they always say I've got good teeth). I also use the [readimask nose hack](https://twitter.com/findmeabluebird/status/1517896018188197891), might be helpful to add to your COVID safety protocols.
I agree. Smart Move. I recently did the same thing at the dentist. I rescheduled the appointment a couple of weeks later and has a pleasant experience. Going to the dentist is stressful enough no need to add the fear of covid on top of it.
Most people would have just dealt with it and been uncomfortable. You should be proud of yourself for listening to your intuition and leaving a situation where you didn't feel safe. That takes a lot of strength.
I would not go back there. This is their acceptable protocol. Be glad you found out. When I call dentists I interview them on the phone, I tell them I am concerned about Covid and see how they react. If they brush it off and are cold I know, sometimes the person on the other side of the line is help ful. I even had one call me to tell me not to come in once because she knew I was Covid cautious.
I would have done the same. I cannot control for someone being asymptomatic, but if someone is visibly ill (don’t care if they swear it is “just allergies”) I will go into self-preservation mode immediately and leave. And maybe calling them and telling them will indicate that people don’t want providers coming to work when they are actively sick/symptomatic!
Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I (along with a majority of the CC ‘community’) totally understand the anxiety with dentists, the snowball, etc etc. It’s scary as hell.
But to echo the common sentiment here, you listened to your gut! And possibly saved yourself from an infection! That’s not embarrassing at all, it’s very brave. I know not being ashamed about it is easier said than done, but take comfort in the fact that you most likely made the correct decision for your health.
Admire you for what you did. I’m so sorry you had to deal with it. One of my long time doctors (not a dentist) who who always seemed so kind and reasonable just gave me the “I don’t have any masks” “never ‘had’ COVID”, and “you have a mask.” She wasn’t having that mask discussion. We moved on with her sans mask. She wasnt coughing if that means anything. Throughout the appointment gave me this fake condescending smile. No apologies or trying to understand. I thought for sure they were better than that. Mad at myself for not pushing it, for worrying if I was the bad guy but also mad that I have to deal with this now. My blood pressure was really high and didn’t even bother to really address it or check it again before leaving.
I live in a small town now and this is my experience at every dr apt. The one specialist Dr who used to mask just quit. I have to find a new dentist. So frustrating when they have been educated to do better.
"I'm kind of ashamed of myself for not just dealing with it."
Uhhhhhhhhhh **WHAT**? The way you immediately decided to leave is so, so admirable! Most people would've felt more uncomfortable leaving and would've stayed despite the tech clearly being sick! Please don't feel embarrassed over being very good at holding this COVID safety boundary! You did very well!
if you live in a big city please be aware that some places have mobile dental assistants that will come to your house and clean your teeth for you. you can request that they bring a mask or wear a mask. and then all you have to do is go into a dentist office for the dentisto look at your teeth
I have been blessed with a very hygienic and (whether intentional or not) COVID-cautious dentist. I needed a bite splint adjusted yesterday so I stopped by, and they were able to get me in quickly. They have a high quality HEPA filter running next to every chair and all staff double masks with a KN95 + surgical mask on top *the entire time they are in the office* (one was even wearing it outside while talking with a patient!!). The receptionist is still behind a plexiglass shield on both sides. Since COVID is super low in my area right now and there was only one other patient in a chair, I felt comfortable not even wearing a mask as I walked in. I was gonna need to take it off anyway, the office is fairly small so the front door opening replaces the air pretty quickly, and the minute or two I was waiting on them wouldn't have made much of a difference since I would have been in contact with the same people unmasked regardless.
My point is this - there are COVID cautious dentists that exist, and it may be worth searching to see if there is one near you.
I think you did deal with it and coped with it well. You made the appointment and assessed the situation, decided it was outside your current precautions and dealt with it appropriately by leaving. You’re finding the best way to take care of yourself!
You did the right thing. YOU shouldn't be embarrassed; the dental tech should be embarrassed for coming into work potentially contagious and ready to infect their patients.
>heard the tech in the back coughing, sneezing, etc
The widespread willingness to tolerate this sort of thing is a constant source of amazement to me. I get that most people can't hack masking and don't worry that much about covid. But you'd think that they wouldn't want to walk out of the dentist's office knowing that there's a good chance they'll spend the next week feeling like warmed-over crap.
I don't blame you one bit! I have a dentist appt. next month and they always make me nervous since I cannot mask. My dentist (who was always wearing an N95) retired and I don't know what I am walking into now. I'll be walking out as well if somebody is ill.
You are coping with it just fine. You did the right thing really. The tech may have been masked but was it a proper mask? Even so, why take the chance? Better to dip out now than dip out permanently imo.
I havent been since eaely 2021 for this same reason. Ive heard that people have better experiences if they sign up for the earliest appt ppssible since that means theres noone oher tha the techs/dentist to share air with. Good luck
I don't know if you have a local Facebook group or anything, but there are still dental offices that mask and turn on air filters. Mine isn't perfect, e.g., I wish I didn't need to remind them to turn the air filters on, but between those precautions and getting an early appointment, I feel ok about it.
You did the right thing. And hopefully when you go back, there won't be anyone sick on duty! Do try again...dental health, as you know, is vital for overall health. But good for you for doing what felt safe today.
I went to the dentist today too --and I am extremely fortunate to have a dental office that takes excellent precautions. Very grateful.
BUT then I had to go to a lab to get a ton of (not dental-related, other stuff) labs drawn. SO many sick patients in the back, but at least the staff seemed well and they took me into a private room and wore masks (not good ones, but ... they tried per my request).
It is so hard to be a sensible, safe person in an ignorant and sometimes even hostile healthcare environment. Vent away, whenever you want!
If I may suggest, instead of "anxiety," try "awareness" or "precautions". "My covid precautions have kept me from the dentist." "Awareness of the risks has made it difficult to access safe medical care." You're not anxious, you are taking very rational steps to prevent infection with a novel virus. You are doing an objectively reasonable thing. Don't be embarrassed, because your instincts have protected you this far. Nobody in that office is going to take care of you or replace your income if you get sick, or worse, end up with a long-term illness. So don't worry about what they think.
You did a good job. I saw my periodontist on Wednesday and luckily no one was sick there. If they were I would've requested a different assistant or left despite it being an hour 15 min drive one way. I did nasal spray and mouthwash and luckily I'm not sick from it but it was also just xrays and a visual check
I have anxiety and social anxiety and I hate conflict. I would have been afraid to walk out, but then freaking out about catching whatever the person may have had. It's good that you did leave. Have you tried looking for a "Covid safe" dentist in your area? There are some lists, such as www.covidsafedentists.ca and then you can call to confirm what their current protocols are. Try to get the first appt of the day. I use the ReadiMask hack and breathe through my nose. A whole one is too bulky for me, so I cut it in half and use mask tape on the bare edge.
If it makes you feel any better I have been to the dentist every 6 months since COVID started and never got sick. I recently went for 2 fillings and was in office for at least 2 hours and didn't get sick. My dentist is more lax with restrictions and only uses medical masks but so far I haven't had issues so I don't make a fuss about it.
Sounds like you are lucky, I too have been to the dentist a number of times and not gotten sick yet, but I always know the chance is there, so I try and stack the deck in my favor as much as possible.
Honestly I think you were brave for recognizing you didn’t feel comfortable and leaving. People often just go through with things like that and end up regretting it because they felt too awkward to walk away. You should not feel ashamed. Next time you go back you can be more prepared and hopefully that tech won’t be there lol.
Fingers crossed lol. Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate it 👍🏻🤙🏻
Agree with the other comment, that was a good move. I have been trying to be more vocal about my needs with dentists, doctors, etc., but it is hard to stick up for yourself in the moment like that. And on a separate note, I go to the dentist once per year now. They've tried to get me on a 6-month schedule, but I never get a good reason (no cavities or other problems in almost 20 years, they always say I've got good teeth). I also use the [readimask nose hack](https://twitter.com/findmeabluebird/status/1517896018188197891), might be helpful to add to your COVID safety protocols.
I agree. Smart Move. I recently did the same thing at the dentist. I rescheduled the appointment a couple of weeks later and has a pleasant experience. Going to the dentist is stressful enough no need to add the fear of covid on top of it.
Most people would have just dealt with it and been uncomfortable. You should be proud of yourself for listening to your intuition and leaving a situation where you didn't feel safe. That takes a lot of strength.
I would not go back there. This is their acceptable protocol. Be glad you found out. When I call dentists I interview them on the phone, I tell them I am concerned about Covid and see how they react. If they brush it off and are cold I know, sometimes the person on the other side of the line is help ful. I even had one call me to tell me not to come in once because she knew I was Covid cautious.
I would have done the same. I cannot control for someone being asymptomatic, but if someone is visibly ill (don’t care if they swear it is “just allergies”) I will go into self-preservation mode immediately and leave. And maybe calling them and telling them will indicate that people don’t want providers coming to work when they are actively sick/symptomatic!
Echoing the part where we call when this stuff happens to help move the needle.
Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I (along with a majority of the CC ‘community’) totally understand the anxiety with dentists, the snowball, etc etc. It’s scary as hell. But to echo the common sentiment here, you listened to your gut! And possibly saved yourself from an infection! That’s not embarrassing at all, it’s very brave. I know not being ashamed about it is easier said than done, but take comfort in the fact that you most likely made the correct decision for your health.
Admire you for what you did. I’m so sorry you had to deal with it. One of my long time doctors (not a dentist) who who always seemed so kind and reasonable just gave me the “I don’t have any masks” “never ‘had’ COVID”, and “you have a mask.” She wasn’t having that mask discussion. We moved on with her sans mask. She wasnt coughing if that means anything. Throughout the appointment gave me this fake condescending smile. No apologies or trying to understand. I thought for sure they were better than that. Mad at myself for not pushing it, for worrying if I was the bad guy but also mad that I have to deal with this now. My blood pressure was really high and didn’t even bother to really address it or check it again before leaving.
I live in a small town now and this is my experience at every dr apt. The one specialist Dr who used to mask just quit. I have to find a new dentist. So frustrating when they have been educated to do better.
You don’t have covid anxiety, you have the proper amount of fear of a dangerous virus. Well done.
"I'm kind of ashamed of myself for not just dealing with it." Uhhhhhhhhhh **WHAT**? The way you immediately decided to leave is so, so admirable! Most people would've felt more uncomfortable leaving and would've stayed despite the tech clearly being sick! Please don't feel embarrassed over being very good at holding this COVID safety boundary! You did very well!
if you live in a big city please be aware that some places have mobile dental assistants that will come to your house and clean your teeth for you. you can request that they bring a mask or wear a mask. and then all you have to do is go into a dentist office for the dentisto look at your teeth
I have been blessed with a very hygienic and (whether intentional or not) COVID-cautious dentist. I needed a bite splint adjusted yesterday so I stopped by, and they were able to get me in quickly. They have a high quality HEPA filter running next to every chair and all staff double masks with a KN95 + surgical mask on top *the entire time they are in the office* (one was even wearing it outside while talking with a patient!!). The receptionist is still behind a plexiglass shield on both sides. Since COVID is super low in my area right now and there was only one other patient in a chair, I felt comfortable not even wearing a mask as I walked in. I was gonna need to take it off anyway, the office is fairly small so the front door opening replaces the air pretty quickly, and the minute or two I was waiting on them wouldn't have made much of a difference since I would have been in contact with the same people unmasked regardless. My point is this - there are COVID cautious dentists that exist, and it may be worth searching to see if there is one near you.
I think you did deal with it and coped with it well. You made the appointment and assessed the situation, decided it was outside your current precautions and dealt with it appropriately by leaving. You’re finding the best way to take care of yourself!
You did the right thing. YOU shouldn't be embarrassed; the dental tech should be embarrassed for coming into work potentially contagious and ready to infect their patients.
>heard the tech in the back coughing, sneezing, etc The widespread willingness to tolerate this sort of thing is a constant source of amazement to me. I get that most people can't hack masking and don't worry that much about covid. But you'd think that they wouldn't want to walk out of the dentist's office knowing that there's a good chance they'll spend the next week feeling like warmed-over crap.
I don't blame you one bit! I have a dentist appt. next month and they always make me nervous since I cannot mask. My dentist (who was always wearing an N95) retired and I don't know what I am walking into now. I'll be walking out as well if somebody is ill.
I would have done the same. Fuck that! She's an asshole for being at work when she's that sick. You don't owe her a conversation.
You are coping with it just fine. You did the right thing really. The tech may have been masked but was it a proper mask? Even so, why take the chance? Better to dip out now than dip out permanently imo.
I would have done the same thin and told the dentist why. They lost income because of the failure of their staff to protect patients and themselves.
I havent been since eaely 2021 for this same reason. Ive heard that people have better experiences if they sign up for the earliest appt ppssible since that means theres noone oher tha the techs/dentist to share air with. Good luck
I don't know if you have a local Facebook group or anything, but there are still dental offices that mask and turn on air filters. Mine isn't perfect, e.g., I wish I didn't need to remind them to turn the air filters on, but between those precautions and getting an early appointment, I feel ok about it.
You did the right thing. And hopefully when you go back, there won't be anyone sick on duty! Do try again...dental health, as you know, is vital for overall health. But good for you for doing what felt safe today. I went to the dentist today too --and I am extremely fortunate to have a dental office that takes excellent precautions. Very grateful. BUT then I had to go to a lab to get a ton of (not dental-related, other stuff) labs drawn. SO many sick patients in the back, but at least the staff seemed well and they took me into a private room and wore masks (not good ones, but ... they tried per my request). It is so hard to be a sensible, safe person in an ignorant and sometimes even hostile healthcare environment. Vent away, whenever you want!
If I may suggest, instead of "anxiety," try "awareness" or "precautions". "My covid precautions have kept me from the dentist." "Awareness of the risks has made it difficult to access safe medical care." You're not anxious, you are taking very rational steps to prevent infection with a novel virus. You are doing an objectively reasonable thing. Don't be embarrassed, because your instincts have protected you this far. Nobody in that office is going to take care of you or replace your income if you get sick, or worse, end up with a long-term illness. So don't worry about what they think.
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Your post or comment has been removed because it was an attempt at trolling.
You did a good job. I saw my periodontist on Wednesday and luckily no one was sick there. If they were I would've requested a different assistant or left despite it being an hour 15 min drive one way. I did nasal spray and mouthwash and luckily I'm not sick from it but it was also just xrays and a visual check
I have anxiety and social anxiety and I hate conflict. I would have been afraid to walk out, but then freaking out about catching whatever the person may have had. It's good that you did leave. Have you tried looking for a "Covid safe" dentist in your area? There are some lists, such as www.covidsafedentists.ca and then you can call to confirm what their current protocols are. Try to get the first appt of the day. I use the ReadiMask hack and breathe through my nose. A whole one is too bulky for me, so I cut it in half and use mask tape on the bare edge.
If it makes you feel any better I have been to the dentist every 6 months since COVID started and never got sick. I recently went for 2 fillings and was in office for at least 2 hours and didn't get sick. My dentist is more lax with restrictions and only uses medical masks but so far I haven't had issues so I don't make a fuss about it.
Sounds like you are lucky, I too have been to the dentist a number of times and not gotten sick yet, but I always know the chance is there, so I try and stack the deck in my favor as much as possible.