Aa
Tulsa Dentist
Dr. HHH/Hook,
I suffer from mild OCD although I have never had any irrational fears of HIV until now. I was tested for HIV in May of this year for insurance purposes and the test came back negative. I have been in a monogamous relationship for over 5 years and do not do drugs.
Three weeks after my negative test I went to the dentist's office for a "deep cleaning". A dental hygienist injected me with a local anesthetic and performed the procedure. I never saw her open a new needle and she informed me that they use pre-filled single use cartridges that hold the anesthetic. I didn't think anything of it until I randomly read an article about a Tulsa area dentist that reused needles and didn't sterilize his equipment properly and that health officials were urging people to be tested.
My question is:
Is transmission of HIV possible in a modern dentist's office? Even one with unsanitary practices like we have seen in Tulsa?
I spoke with my dentist during my follow up and he told me that they follow universal precautions and that I should not be worried and that my OCD is the real problem here.
I suffer from mild OCD although I have never had any irrational fears of HIV until now. I was tested for HIV in May of this year for insurance purposes and the test came back negative. I have been in a monogamous relationship for over 5 years and do not do drugs.
Three weeks after my negative test I went to the dentist's office for a "deep cleaning". A dental hygienist injected me with a local anesthetic and performed the procedure. I never saw her open a new needle and she informed me that they use pre-filled single use cartridges that hold the anesthetic. I didn't think anything of it until I randomly read an article about a Tulsa area dentist that reused needles and didn't sterilize his equipment properly and that health officials were urging people to be tested.
My question is:
Is transmission of HIV possible in a modern dentist's office? Even one with unsanitary practices like we have seen in Tulsa?
I spoke with my dentist during my follow up and he told me that they follow universal precautions and that I should not be worried and that my OCD is the real problem here.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I'm glad I could help. EWH
Thank you doctor
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the Forum. I think your OCD is getting the best of you. I note that you have asked the same question on this site, the HIV Prevention Community site and on the International HIV Prevention site. I anticipate you will get variations of the same answer from each of us. Modern dentist offices and the procedures they follow assure patients that they are not sites where there is any meaningful risk for HIV. The use of universal procedures which include careful cleansing of materials and equipment mean that there is no risk for HIV from receipt of dental care. There is no reason for you to worry and no reason to test.
I hope this comment is helpful to you. Please do not go down the path of a series of "what if" questions. There is simply no reason for you to worry. EWH
I hope this comment is helpful to you. Please do not go down the path of a series of "what if" questions. There is simply no reason for you to worry. EWH
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