Was I inappropriate to request this from my dentist?

Why would you be alone with your dentist at any point, ever? I’ve never seen the dentist without a dental nurse present.

If you’ve watched lots of true crime documentaries, you must know “I’m in an abusive relationship and my husband won’t let me get medical treatment without him present” is FAR more likely than “my dentist is going to ignore my teeth and sexually assault me”

I don't think you were unreasonable to ask, you did ask, he said no. I don't think that is unreasonable either.

He probably thinks you're giving off 'I'm looking for anything I can sue you for' vibes. Or, 'i have a weird controlling husband who can't leave me alone with other men' vibes.

If you're unhappy I'd suggest asking the practice if you can see another dentist, and if that fails move practice to one that will allow this. Maybe find one with a female dentist- would that settle your nerves?

There absolutely should be a dental nurse in the room with you at all times when you are seeing a dentist, sedated or not.

Try a different dentist. Mine is often there, not because I particularly want it, but because we often book back to back appointments for us and dc, so they often just call us all in together rather than wasting time.

You should absolutely be able to request a chaperone, but that would normally be the dental nurse.

I can understand why the dentist wouldn’t want your husband there.

It should not just be you and the male dentist though, and if that is what he is suggesting you should report.

Has anyone ever had dental treatment of any kind without a nurse there? Even just for a check up, there’s usually an assistant documenting the dentist’s findings as he/she calls them out.

OP I think you’re right that you watch too many crime documentaries!

Try a different dentist!

I'm sure if you are being sedated there'd have to be a dental nurse present.

I do understand your concern, though.

It’s a tricky situation, because you have a right to peace of mind while your dentist also has a right to be trusted as a medical professional.

it could be said that you’re implying that the dentist is a predator with your request but then chaperones are available for internal examinations to protect both parties. I personally don’t believe it’s unreasonable to ask for your husband to accompany you

If you are being sedated, surely you would have someone with you to take you home? So I can’t see why having them in the actual room would be a problem, unless the dental room is tiny or they are conducting it in a sterile theatre type setting?

Your husband won’t be allowed to be there. Like he wouldn’t in an operating theatre. However, there will be a dental nurse - legally there has to be with sedation anyway as someone has to be monitoring you

A dental nurse should always be present both for your own and the dentists safeguarding
Your request is not unreasonable at all and I think you should email the practice manager saying you want your husband present - no need to explain why.

I have never, in all my years (and they are a fair few) been alone with a Dentist, there has always been a dental nurse present.

Every time I have had work done there has been a dental nurse there too.