Dentist Debate

I am thinking about changing my dentist..i will have to fill out a new question form asking me  about my medical history,what happens if i keep it quiet that i am currently under TX for hep C ...the form states  that the info that i fill out is true....my question is:

am i obligated to tell and will i get in trouble if i conceal my hep C

[lalapple]

good questions *listens in*  after i'm done with tx, and if i stay clear, i don't think i want to report hepatitis on any forms i fill out.

[Rockerforlife]

Right now im UN...so in my mind i have no virus...im afraid if i say im on TX...this will just cause red tape,i dont think the TX drugs will affect my cleaning in anyway...i did ask tho to see the way they clean the tools...i want a demo

[frijole]

What is the down side of your silence?  What is the up side of telling?

I told my dentist up front when I  was treating and he was more watchful than ever over my gums during treatment.  Even though I relapsed, he is still my dentist and takes care of whatever I need --most recently, bridge work -- and I am sure there was bleeding involved.  They use standard procedures to prevent mishaps like gloves and I don't think there is any problem

frijole

[Trish77]

Why bother to change your dentist right now? If there's nothing pressing you need to do, why not just get through your treatment and change afterwards?  Seems you're adding unnecessary stress.

[franke566]

I would answer the questions on the form.  If the question is have you ever  then the answer is yes but if it asks do you have any of the following the answer is no.  By the way Rocker you mentioned to watch out for  certain items-what do we replace them with?  thanks, frank

[IMstacie]

yes, i agree with Trish.  It's great that frijole had a good dentist but that is not always the case.  

[frijole]

Now I was supposed to get an implant prior to treating and when I began treating I told that dentist I wanted to wait.  He told me, in no certain terms, that he would not do any elective surgery (which he considered an implant) while I still had hep C. I think that is probably illegal, but I sure didn't want him in my mouth after that!   My regular dentist found another specialist to do the implant (after my relapse) who was okay with the hepC but I then decided against it.  So I do know about the other side of that coin.
frijole

[franke566]

Most speciality & elective surgeries will not be performed  as long as the patient has an active virus of any kind.  It is not illegal -in fact it is common protocol and most Insurance companies hold the physicians to account for such infraction(s). frank E

[franke566]

I enjoy your comments and have learned from you and I agree with you and Trish.  No point in adding extra stress.  I'm not so sure frijole had such a good dentist simply because he shifted him to another who would do the implant.  I'm glad frijole decided to wait, for his sake.  A dental implant is not a big deal when one is healthy but can be lethal to someone who might have a weakened immune system ; add to the fact instruments are not always steirilized to perfection and consider the dental assistant(s).
My oldest daughter was a dental asst. during college and she said her boss followed the insurance guidelines to the letter.  If the patient has an active underlying possible contagious illness. DO NOT TREAT-refer to patients Primary Physician-make the patient as pain free as possible in acute cases. Frank E

[Fl_Gator]

I agree with franke...right now you don't have HCV...you should fill the forms according to your current status. I also agree with Trish...don't pile on the stress.

I am fortunate, my dentist and hygienist didn't bat an eye about my HCV....They are very professional...I have known them (professionally) for over 20 years. Their office is very clean and they very obviously strive for perfection with every patient.

Gator

[franke566]

goodmorning.  yes it is so important we know our dentists and they know us.  I wouldn't trust one of those walk in chains with only the bottom line on their minds.  I'm the same way about my barber.  Dentists who are conscientious take their practice seriously.  They follow certain protocols.  They especially need to know what medications we are taking so the ones he or she will use on us do not "clash"  Truthfulness is always the best answer in the long run.  Good day to you. Frank E

[franke566]

yes, thank you. How do I accept?