To be so anxious about what dentist did?

[TeaBoots]

Today I had dental treatment for an abscessed tooth. I was in the chair for over an hour. I was in a lot of pain and have a huge dental phobia at the best of times. I’ve only just realised since being home that the dentist wasn’t wearing a face mask.

My DS (aged 3) and my DH both could be incredibly unwell if they picked up any kind of virus and I feel terrible that by the dentist breathing in my mouth for an hour I will have picked something up and could pass it to them.

I will admit that in my anxiety addled brain I am thinking about coronavirus.

AIBU to be so concerned? And WIBU to phone the dentist tomorrow and tell them how disappointed/ upset I am. Surely they have to wear some kind of face protection?

I'm a dental nurse and you can't even get masks atm because everyone is freaking out and buying them 🤦🏽‍♀️

My dentist never wears a mask or goggles. I've never worried.

Masks are to protect the user. There is a shortage due to coronavirus. They don't work after being worn for over 15 mins anyway apparently.

My dentist wears a glass visor thing - I have never seen her wear a mask.

Thanks. I can see now was definitely being a bit over the top. I don’t think it’s fair either that my dentist is having to work without a mask if it is just to protect her.

There is no law about the use of face masks - even in operating theatres. There is a very weak evidence base for their use. Certainly they are only effective if of adequate quality and worn for brief periods. Touching them renders them useless. Hanging them around the neck between patients make them useless.

I’d worry more about hand hygiene in terms of the spread of infection.

The mask doesn’t protect healthcare workers much either.

There are no masks - I run a healthcare company. Our usual supplier has taken them off their website and we can only find 10 for £10 to buy which isn't economically viable. It's a crazy situation but understandable as they (facemasks) are mainly made in China.

The mask is protect the dentist, not you so YABU.
Hope the abscess is sorted and you aren't in pain anymore!

I was reading the official government guidance today at work on Corona iris and it said masks provide minimal protection. You are catastrophising.

I was in a packed tube to and from work today. Saw one person with a mask on. It was packed.

This must be a half term joke.........

Second crazy Coronavirus thread tonight, is everyone on glue?

Unless he was coughing and sneezing direcly into your mouth I think the chance of you catching anything is negligible.

Dividingthementalload there is no reason to be so bitchy. Other people have anxiety issues.

Get a grip

MrsAJ27 I accept that I was worrying too much. Still, no need to be so unkind.