Totally Grossed Out by Dentist-- Am I Paranoid?

[ILoveLT]

I am a germaphobe, I think. I was wondering if this would bother anyone else: I went to the dentist to get a crown yesterday, and he has a very busy practice, good for him, and ran around from room to room to see different patients. He did not wash his hands and he took off his disposable gloves, put them on the tray for me, and went out the room, and each time he came back, put on the same pair of disposable gloves. I am totally grossed out by this. I am paying cash for this crown and have paid half aready, or otherwise I won't be going back. I will tell him to wash and put on new gloves next time, and then after the crown we are switching dentists.

He probably thought he was doing the right thing, since he had on gloves!

Is it possible to get a disease from this? I noticed his assistant was very good about washing her hands. I should have said something, but he ran in and out and I was not expecting this. I want to be around for a long time for my child, so I am very careful when it comes to hygiene and blood.

Any thoughts? I am so upset over this!

Rita

[sntm]

The glove thing is a little icky. Thw hand-washing thing may not be as bad -- did he have alcohol gel dispensers up? I use those more than handwashing (since handwashing with soap and water requires 30 sec to have the same sanitizing effect that the gel dispensers have) though I hate that the patients never see me use them, since they are ususally outside the rooms.
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shannon
not-even-pregnant-yet-overachiever
trying-to-conceive :)
PREGNANT! EDD 6/9/03
mama to Jack 6/6/03
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Breastfeeding 2 years & counting

[JBaxter]

ok I really cant find what I was looking for but here is a section of something similar ( I was a dental hygienist -- still am just not working-- for 17 yrs) I will keep looking
Jeana



5. Handwashing and Hand Care

The skin of DHCWs' hands harbor resident and transient microorganisms. Most resident microorganisms found in the superficial layers of the skin are not highly virulent, but may be responsible for some skin infections. DHCW contact with infected patients is a source of transient microorganisms on DHCWs' hands. Transient microorganisms pose the greatest risk of cross-infection. Adequate handwashing will remove or inhibit both transient and resident organisms.

DHCWs should wash hands before donning gloves, upon removal of gloves, and after inadvertent barehanded touching of contaminated surfaces or objects.

For most routine procedures, washing with plain soap appears adequate. Use antimicrobial soap for more invasive procedures, such as surgery. For all handwashing, convenient placement of sinks, towels, and soaps will encourage use by workers. When possible, use alternative sink controls such as foot or sensor-activated faucets. Vigorously rubbing lathered hands together under a stream of water for a minimum of ten seconds is adequate for routine handwashing. Thorough rinsing under a stream of water should follow this. Dry hands well before donning gloves. DHCWs with open sores or weeping dermatitis must refrain from direct patient contact and handling of patient care equipment until the condition is resolved



this section came from http://www.osap.org/resources/IC/icguide97.htm#5.

Jeana