I had a dental filling done yesterday, I notice the dental assistant did not have gloves on when she took my X-rays. Due to my TMJ it's hard for them to get x-rays so I watch her take the film squeeze it with her fingers on the mouth piece and pop it in my mouth without gloves. That has got to be wrong! Can't stop thinking about this.
WHY DID I NOT SPEAK UP?

I never saw her wash her hands and since I kept my eyes shut doing the drilling etc>I don't know if she put on gloves or a mask on while helping the dentist. he was protected, why would he let her do that? he wasn't in the room doing the x-rays.
I was a fool not to say something but I fight such anxiety going to the dentist.
Is there a place I can report this anonymously?

I am a total germ phobic, so I'm worrying myself sick thinking about what I could had been expose to!

Snowie, while I can understand your anxiety over this, the gloves are really more for her protection. Let's hope she washed her hands between people!

Hey Snow, if it were me, I'd DEMAND that they wear gloves. Can't imagine for the LIFE of me, how a person could work in a total strangers mouth WITHOUT gloves on anyway! EW EW EW! Like Meryl said, they are mainly for her own protection. BUT if it were me, I would tell them at the front desk that it bothered me and INSIST that she wear them next time. I can't stand going to the dentist, and to be honest? I couldn't tell you if my hygenist wore them the last time or not! Speak up girlfriend, YOU are the one paying for the dental work, and it's YOUR mouth! BUT.....don't worry yourself silly over it in the meantime. I'm sure she used antibacterial scrub before and after!!
HUGS!

Remember when the dentist never wore gloves? We never worried back then. I remember when I used to go to the orthodontist every month and they would work on my mouth without gloves.

Maybe this lady has a latex allergy and she was out of vinyl gloves? Maybe some of the patients have a latex allergy. Please don’t worry anymore and just ask next time. You probably got more germs touching the front door of the dental office when you walked in. Unless she had an open wound on her hand you are not at risk for a blood borne illness (that is IF she has one which is unlikely). Like Meryl said, the gloves are for her protection. Think of it in a more positive light and assume she washed her hands and is helping prevent a latex allergy for you—thinking of the bright side may help you feel better.

Kathy