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Dentists afraid of HIV

 I developed a cavity underneath an old crown. The pain became unbearable. I asked my HIV doctor if he knew of an HIV friendly dentist. You would think they would ALL be educated on the subject, but they are not. MY HIV doctor told me to try the University dental services. But it was very difficult to get in there.
The nightmare began upon going to a private practice. Turns out the crown was all busted up. I needed a root canal and a new crown. This dentist seemed to linger on my honesty on the sign-in application that I was HIV poz but undetectable. He wanted to know if I was on medicine and what my viral load was.
He referred me out to another dentist. 

The 2nd dentist asked me why the 1st dentist didn't do the work. I knew why but just said that I didn't know. The 2nd dentist said the tooth could be saved (not extracted like I thought) and I was referred to a 3rd dentist. The 3rd dentist did the root canal, after a lengthy question session about my HIV and medicines. 3rd dentist refers me back to 1st dentist for the crown. 

I see my chart on the shelf among others. But my chart stands out from the others. WHY? There is a big red toxic symbol on my folder.

Dentist number one aske me again about my viral levels. He tells me that his co-worker is pregnant so it is IMPERATIVE that only he does the crown (which will require prying off the old busted up crown). Am I going to give the other pregnant dentist the HIV? Why can't I see her? He does the temp crown and I have to go back soon for a permanent crown.

The dental technician talks me out of the teeth cleaning, telling me to just wait until next time (most likley when she doesn't have to do it).

This is what one has to put up with on a daily basis when you are positive. I also have another story about a Pulmonary doctor who listened to my heart and lungs while holding the stethoscope up in the air about a foot away from me, never even touching me, LOL. That one actually amused me. 

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