Dirty Dentist Office?

I went to a dentist, who was recommended by a couple of friends, yesterday and I am still traumatized. The dentist didn't use gloves and asked me to hold the little film thing in my mouth with my fingers, so he can do an x-ray. I was so disgusted I am wondering if this guy actually used cleaned his instruments after he used them on the person before me!!! He probably did because it would have bad consequences for him but I'll never go back to this place. Are dentist offices inspected by the health department???

Dirty Dentist Office?
In a few states I've worked in they are inspected by a board. Although there are some dentists that, when handling normal things may use their hands. Those xray films are sterile, kept in foil like packages to prevent double exposure. If he was just asking you to open up and he just looked in the mouth, there was no need to wear gloves, unless he actually touched an instrument or went into your mouth. Some people don't like this and believe me a dentist does not take offense if you ask him to wear gloves at all times. They are required by law to sterilize all instruments, and the instruments are sealed while sterilizing to prevent contamination. The rooms are all wiped down with an anti-microbial and instruments are rotated every few weeks even if they haven't been used, and are re-sterilized. If the doctors manner offends you, or if there was any problems, do call the board. It's up to you, but without knowing the whole situation it is hard to tell. Dentists don't usually wear gloves when in consult, (Just talking) to the patient. Only you can judge whether the situation was bad. YOU were there, and if he stuck his fingers in your mouth without gloves or touched instruments, then report it. It's people like that who give Dentistry a bad name.
Reply:Well first, don't go to him again. Secondly, go ahead and make that report to the appropriate authorities.





I had an orthodontist not where gloves (which is gross) but I also witnessed him NOT washing his hands between patients. What I did was to mention to my dentist that this guy was behaving this way....they know each other.





Guess what? Word got back to the orthodontist and it never happened again.





Sometimes, they get a little lazy and need to be reminded that part of being a doctor is maintaining your OWN level of hygiene.





They're human and can be gross just like everyone else.





Report it though (medical association I think but you'll have to look it up). Sounds like this guy needs a reminder.
Reply:Opening a dental clinic would require business permit and the location should be inspected by the department of health. Good sanitation is required. I am beginning to doubt whether your dentist is really a registered dentist.
Reply:No one inspects them and when reported they get barely a slap on the wrist.


I worked for a jerk of a Dentist who didn't change his gloves. He tried to save 5 cents a patient. I reported him and I saw a letter in the trash from the health department. He got a letter, that's it. After that he must have figured it was a patient who reported him so he made sure the box of gloves were in their vision when he went into the room. BUT I saw him put dirty gloves into the clean box!! This contaminated the entire box. I threw away so many boxes of gloves he lost so much money. He's retired now thank God. I've worked for many Dentists and most of them are caring. Sad about the few bad apples.


RDH
Reply:you can may diseases , and people are just not aware that they can, its not just bad hygiene but you can get hep c, which is serious
Reply:No wonder they are called the hated profession. most of them can't anethatise correctly. A pox on them!