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IMPORTANT: The Bladder Cancer Canada discussion forum is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. The opinions & contents in this forum is for information only and is not reviewed by medical professionals. They are experiences & opinions of patient members like you, and is NOT intended to represent the best or only approach to a situation. Always consult your physician and do not rely solely on the information in this site when making decisions about your health.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
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  • #43894
    Broadmeadow
    Participant

    Just was refused dental treatment, one month out from BCG induction.  I was being disclosive and assumed they would have protocols in place (they work on AIDS patients don’t they?), but no. I have to prove that I do not have TB. I am in need of a crown but looks like dental treatment is not available to me. I’d rather not use pliers.  Anyone been through this? Advice?

     

    thanks

    #43895
    marysue
    Participant

    Hi Broadmeadow:

    There should be no reason for you to be refused.  I am in active BCG treatment right now and have a dental hygiene appointment coming up 2 weeks after I finish my 6 week induction.  I have had dental checkups/treatments in the past when doing BCG and was never refused.  I did always try to wait at least 2 weeks until a treatment session was over just to be certain.   The other reason I waited was because of the level of side effects I was experiencing.  I did not want to be in a dentist’s chair while feeling yucky and needing to run to the bathroom every half hour.

    You cannot pass on BCG via orally to them since the treatment was directly in the bladder and does not go through the rest of the body.  We do not get active TB from BCG treatments.  My recommendation would be to go to another dentist.  All that being said, if need be, I’d contact your urologist for a medical note verifying that it is safe for you to have dental treatment.

    Dentists/hygienists should still be wearing masks, gloves, gowns, eye wear anyhow as a covid protection.  My dentist/hygienist always comes in looking like they are ready for the OR.

    I hope my suggestions help.  ((((HUGS))))

     

    #43896
    Nightingale
    Keymaster

    Hi Broadmeadow,

    After reading your post, I called my dentist office here in Hamilton Ontario and described your experience.  They double checked with all their providers and told me that they would never turn a patient away.  They would in fact; with the patient’s consent, contact their specialist to check to see if there was anything they should be aware of to ensure no complications arise when the patient is in the chair.  I hope this helps.

    My Best,

     

    #43897
    Broadmeadow
    Participant

    Thx for the replies MarySue and Nightingale.

    I think I will be changing dentists ASAP. The experience of telling a 20 something dental hygenist (in an open office setting) my medical history actually really sucked, at least at the doc’s office they close the door when discussing health issues and they have more than a few months training polishing teeth. The dentist didn’t even come talk to me just kept sending her back and forth to ask questions. Think I’ll send them a letter describing that experience in conjunction with changing providers and providing them with a descriptive google review.

    #43898
    Nightingale
    Keymaster

    Hi Broadmeadow,

    For what it’s worth, I want to let you know that in 2019 when we signed up with our Dentist, we had a meet and greet and assess.  We met with Dr. Schneider who gave us a tour of the facility and introduced us to the hygienist who would be working on my wife and I.  We were duly impressed!  She even addressed our concerns for high fees since neither my wife nor I have medical insurance.

    My suggestion to you is to request a meet and greet and assess.  Tell them you would like to do that up front before you make a final decision.

    It works for us.  We employed this technique with two dental offices when we moved our home and with 2 Family doctors.  We’ve been very happy with our decision.

    My best,

    #43908
    marysue
    Participant

    Hi Broadmeadow:

    I went to a dermatology clinic many years ago and a similar thing happened to me.  The very young front staff were not professional in manner in how they dealt with me.  Like you they were blabbing my personal details out loud which concerned me.  Their personal appearance left a lot to be desired as well.  One of the gals was dressed in a tank top with no bra, yoga pants, flip flops and chomping on a big wad of gum.  Her long hair was piled up in a messy topknot and her fingernails were filthy.  She was engrossed with her phone instead of doing her job.  I was not impressed with the dermatologist either.  I never went back.

    I agree with Nightingale.  A meet and greet is definitely the best way to go.   (((HUGS)))

    #43909
    Broadmeadow
    Participant

    Thx marysue,

     

    Did a little research and it seems that the dental professionals are bound by the same privacy laws that regulate the health profession (not really surprising). The College of dental surgeons of BC says on their website that they will “maintain and safeguard your medical and dental records and charts”, it seems that oral medical information collection in a public or open setting is in direct contravention of their own standards, how is that safeguarding you? They afford you more privacy at the pharmacy which is in a public space than they did at my dental office. They also require that patients “Give me an accurate, truthful and complete medical and dental history”.

    For me having a cancer diagnosis has been pretty crushing, I haven’t told anyone outside of immediate family and a few close friends. I imagine it is the same for everyone. The refusal to treat felt like a kick when I’m already down., like I was diseased or dirty. I have had an uncle and a close friend succumb to this disease so my diagnosis hit home very quickly.

    I definitely will shop the next dental office ahead of time and directly ask them about their method of medical history updating and how they afford their patients privacy when giving medical information.

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by Broadmeadow.
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