Concerned about hygiene at dentists.

12Phase

I recently went to a different dentist who had been highly recommended by a friend and I'm a bit worried about hygiene at their practice.

When I went last time there was a bad smell generally like dirty, sour kitchen cloths and it seemed to be coming from the seat. It was really disgusting.

Then the dentist arrived in and had blood splashes on his mask and apron.

I decided not to go back or have any treatment.

Is this normal here ? Should I alert someone or some official body? I assume HIQA carries out inspections?
I don't really want to get into an argument.

I'm not really used to Irish dentists anymore as I've been living abroad.

I was fairly horrified at the state of the clinic. It was really cluttered, lots of dust and just unpleasant generally.

Oral Surgeon

If you have concerns then you can report the matter to HIQA and/or the dental council. Unfortunately, HIQA have not started spot inspections. Compliant clinics have nothing to lose from inspections, it weeds out the bad clinics and raises the overall standard of care here....
What you describe does not sound acceptable

12Phase wrote: »

I recently went to a different dentist who had been highly recommended by a friend and I'm a bit worried about hygiene at their practice.

When I went last time there was a bad smell generally like dirty, sour kitchen cloths and it seemed to be coming from the seat. It was really disgusting.

Then the dentist arrived in and had blood splashes on his mask and apron.

I decided not to go back or have any treatment.

Is this normal here ? Should I alert someone or some official body? I assume HIQA carries out inspections?
I don't really want to get into an argument.

I'm not really used to Irish dentists anymore as I've been living abroad.

I was fairly horrified at the state of the clinic. It was really cluttered, lots of dust and just unpleasant generally.

12Phase

I'll look into it.

I'm not a fuss pot about superficial stuff like the age of wall paper etc.

It's just I really felt "eww" and was not happy to proceed beyond just a visual inspection of my mouth.

I just don't think you should ever even have to think about hygeine in a healthcare setting, especially where invasive procedures go on.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

OP this is a very interesting topic you bring up and one I dont think a person has voiced on the forum before.

Yes hygiene is very important in dentistry and the things you described are unacceptable and unsafe. I have to say as a busy dentist, I move from patient to patient myself quickly to keep on time. I try take note of my uniform and the surgery and keep things tidy between patients, however I am sure the odd time the nurse has missed a bit of dirt splashed on the light and a patient has noticed it (but been too polite to comment). I would prefer that the patient pointed this out to the nurse or myself at the time, and allowed me to apologise.

However if there is a systemic lack in cleaning, a lack of attention to cleaning and and obvious and consistent lack of cross infection control then the appropriate authorities should be notified. HIQA or the dental council.

Unfortunatly as the burden of sterilisation and cleaning grows with time, patient have to expect a certain inflation in dental prices, the manpower to keep things clean cost money and that is passed on. I personally think it a price well worth paying.

chsdeddijj

I have found that same problem. I am Irish and have also lived abroad. I have recently visited some dental practices looking for a good dentist and have found dirty practices and dentists with dirty clothing and not wearing gloves and the other thing is that I have received conflicting diagnoses. Can anyone recommend a good dentist within a clean dental surgery please?

The Wife

chsdeddijj wrote: »

I have found that same problem. I am Irish and have also lived abroad. I have recently visited some dental practices looking for a good dentist and have found dirty practices and dentists with dirty clothing and not wearing gloves and the other thing is that I have received conflicting diagnoses. Can anyone recommend a good dentist within a clean dental surgery please?

I can recommend a great dentist but it depends where you're based..

chsdeddijj

Hi again, I forgot to mention, I think, that I am looking for a good dentist with a clean surgery in the dublin 15 area. Thanks.

Zaph

chsdeddijj wrote: »

Hi again, I forgot to mention, I think, that I am looking for a good dentist with a clean surgery in the dublin 15 area. Thanks.

This thread will probably be of use to you.

chsdeddijj

Thanks.