Just an observation. Seems I am seeing a lot of complaints online about how hospitals, doctors' offices and dentists aren't following all the feel good procedures lay people want. Doctors and dentists know far more about avoiding disease transmission than the number crunching, data gathering drones at the Public Health Departments. At least that is true where I live. Perhaps those who don't trust their medical caregivers should simply go to get their treatment and medical care from the Public Health "scientists" and politicians.

Ann, I was reading somewhere on these boards about someone whose dentist had this elaborate set up that was even more sanitary than his usual system for trying to keep his patients and workers safe. I would call around and ask dentists what they are doing and go visit the one you think sounds like they are really taking this serious.

I always think of dentists and hygienists as being some of the most anal medical professions, so I don't think you'll have any trouble finding someone who's more on top of this. Unless yours is the only dentist in town.

" Doctors and dentists know far more about avoiding disease transmission than the number crunching, data gathering drones at the Public Health Departments. At least that is true where I live. Perhaps those who don't trust their medical caregivers should simply go to get their treatment and medical care from the Public Health "scientists" and politicians."

My inside knowledge as regards dental office practices, from personal discussions with several dentists based on what they've seen and heard and guidelines that have been sent out, disagrees significantly with what you've suggested.

In a broader sense, your comments are wrong. Your belligerent attitude about something you seem to know little about is also sad. You're welcome to your opinions, too bad they're so far off the mark. There's no reason to waste time to share better information with you, you don't seem to be a person who uses real information.

My dentist and many others are tacking on a fee to cover personal protective equipment. Mine charges $15 extra. I find that annoying but I do appreciate that they are taking precautions. Annegriet yours sounds very inadequate.

I go tomorrow for a new bridge. Was told to wear mask coming in and have temp taken. My hygentist has always worn face shield and others wear masks...even before virus

My dentist office could not find an effective way to isolate people due to the nature of their work, so they closed the office. Emergency and pressing need service is available by phone reservation only. Call, make arrangements, and the Dentist plus an assistant will meet you there. No mention was made about extra charges.

When my appointment was cancelled in March I spoke with a bff who is a retired dental hygienist. The State Dental Board shut all dentistry in our State down. This was a week before our State went to Shelter in Place rules. Her husband was my dentist, their daughter is a dentist. If you think there is a more sterile environment than a dental office, before COVID-19 I would like to know what it is. They you have to remember already have sterilization procedures after each patient due to HIV protocols that were enacted 20 years ago. She sent a picture of the recommended get up they should all wear, disposable suit, gloves, shield and mask. I have had that appointment re-instated. I waited in my car-as the waiting room is closed. Their bathroom is locked. They took my temperature. Rinsed my mouth with something that made it numb it was sooo strong. YOU have little to worry about THEY are the one's with the risk. Their exposure due to ill patients are MUCH more likely than you contracting from them or their office.

Annegriet - I'm not sure from your post if you actually visited the office or not. Did you have your teeth cleaned? I don't see anything wrong with their set up as your describe it but perhaps you should call and ask how they are handling the cleaning protocols. Perhaps that would reassure you.

My dentist was above average in how she cleaned and kept patients separated long before this happened. She's a gem. I'd change dentists if I thought otherwise.

My friend went and she told me about the set up. I'm going this week for my Invisalign appointment. I called and my appointment will be in a room not in the hygienist space. I'm going to ask my cleaning questions at this time as well. This is just all TOO MUCH. I am really getting very angry at these states and these people who are in denial about science. They are not only prolonging this pandemic but endangering others with their selfish behaviors.

Are the hygienists seeing 2 patients at the same time? That would be my concern. Call and ask.

That is my understanding from my friend who had her teeth cleaned when they first reopened. She said there was someone on the other side of the wall/divider at the same time. She said the chairs are 6 feet apart but I don't think that is enough in this circumstance especially with the low bar statistic of 40% being asymptomatic carriers. Other stats says 50-75%.

Elmer, I think you broke your new rule. Six "likes" so far, so it's ok with me.

socks, I think what I said (and certainly my intent) was to not "engage" or discuss issues with people typifying the image below. But I think I said I would speak out about egregious/stupefying comments with no basis in reality. Maybe I forgot to say that. But please help me keep it real, thanks for paying attention.

The attitude of a large segment of Americans concerning real information about the pandemic, and who can't distinguish facts from false/made up political propoganda

My personal experience having had a dental emergency 3 weeks ago.

I would first check your state and county dashboard and how easy it is to get tested. Our numbers are way down in NYState and densely packed NYC. Masks are required by law. (just announced 20 minutes ago, effective at midnight, 9 states are not allowed in NY, NJ and Conn with out quarantine for 14 days).

That said, how hard to enforce is questionable, but might discourage travelers while we return to the new normal here....opening up carefully.

The dental. All forms were filled out online. Another form and office protocols were well documented/explained on-line. Wait in car until called. (office door locked). One patient at a time. New HVac filter system installed. I counted three air purifiers running with the UVc tube filter. Receptionist, two assistants, Surgeon, all wearing masks and face shields. Self stick one-use temp I placed on my forehead. I had to sign something coming in.

Handed me a pen and said keep it, its yours. Used it signing out.

If I was in a state with numbers rising and two dental appointments in the same room...no way would I take the chance.

All deliveries at home are mask wearing and leave packages 10 or more feet from either door. On-line ordering insists that no home doors be opened without masking. Even though we are moving phase three, most in my county are sticking with curbside for a while. No signatures required.

Most stores opening this week have installed locked door buzzer entry. No mask, no entry.

Testing is important to us. I can get tested tomorrow with an appointment. Stay in car and call. Urgent Care door is locked. They come out to you for the test. Many drive-thru available.

I'm from an extended family of scientists, professors, doctors, nurses, a dentist, etc.

Those spending the entire day, day after day, running around the web posting their 'no mask' opinions are embarrassingly insulting, self-centered, socially unacceptable covidiots. Respect our front line health care workers.

NYState dashboard. The blue is free testing available.

Annegriet, why don't you just call the office and ask which protocols are in place. I've done that with any appointments either of us were scheduled for all Spring and found the staffs in different offices willing to discuss. I've had an extraction and bone graft, went back 2 weeks later for removal of stitches and was perfectly comfortable with steps they were taking for screening, infection control and separation of patients. A Seattle appointment was moved out a couple of months...nothing to do with their own office but there is no way to get there without being in a busy parking garage with elevator, then busy lobby with elevator in multistory building. Not doing 9 flights of stairs ;0) DH had a dental checkup and cleaning last week. He actually called a couple of days before and left a message for his hygienist not to gab at him when he came in ;0) She's undeniably chatty. His appointment was for 7 AM, although he was not her first patient but the second. Their waiting room not in use, people waited in their cars.

I'm sure you could go as far as explaining your concern about your father, and expect you would be treated with understanding, not defensiveness.

For my Invisalign appointment, I will be in a single use room. I am also the first appointment of the day at 6:30 am. Teeth cleaning is in the more open-ish area. They said they measured and that there is approximately 10 feet between chairs with the wall partition in-between. I'll talk to dentist at Invisalign appointment.

He was very kind. They have changed my cleaning appointment to a day when there is only one dental hygienist working so I will be alone.