I'm in a bit of a state following a dental appointment this morning. I am a very nervous patient at the best of times, and usually see a particular dentist who over the years has taken time to explain what she thinks needs to happen, makes sure I understand it, and lets me know that we will stop at any time. She has always respected my requests to stop if it all gets a bit much, and by and large things have got easier as I know I am in control.
Today I saw a different dentist because my usual one is on maternity leave, but at the same practice. She was very abrupt from the start, and told me (not asked, told me) that I was having an injection. As she started to do it, I panicked and (am ashamed of this) started saying 'no, no, no'. I must have said no about a dozen times but she just carried on until she'd finished - it's takes several seconds for a dental injection to be done.
When she'd finished I was shaking very badly, and asked why she'd carried on when I was clearly saying no - she said I had 'implied consent' by opening my mouth. My partner was with me, and said I was also jolting my head about while I was saying no (I wasn't aware I was doing this), and she was getting worried about the injection slipping. I was unable to continue with the appointment.
Afterwards, I was shaking so much when I went to reception to pay that the receptionist took me to the practice manager's office, where I told her what had happened. She is going to look into it, but she said she is very surprised to hear that the dentist would have behaved like that, and I'm very aware it is my word against hers if the dentist chooses to deny it.
Is this something I should just chalk up to experience? I've just looked at the General Dental Council's website, and it states 'once a patient has given consent, they may withdraw it at any time, including during the procedure', so it appears that her statement that I had implied consent by opening my mouth is at odds with her practice guidance.