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doglove
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Reged: 02/08/08
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Posts: 13
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Loc: San Francisco, CA
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HIV Positive dentist
#241460 - 08/17/08 05:03 PM
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I have been studying towards a career in the health professions. Just recently I have decided to go for a dental career. I am seriously reconsidering this as people might stop coming to me if they find out I am positive. It's a lot of money to put forward, around $300,000.00 or more. I have researched and found I do not have to disclose unless there's an exposure. I would like to, disclose but I know it would be unwise to do so. Any advice? Should I pursue this career path at all? Anyone know an HIV + dentist?
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Bear60
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Legend
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Reged: 12/21/05
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Posts: 1390
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If its any consolation to you, I have had an HIV positive doctor. (Not dentist.) He was probably MORE careful and conscientious than an HIV negative one.
I would do what your heart tells you is right for you.
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6 ft tall poz bear in Philadelphia
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doglove
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Reged: 02/08/08
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Posts: 13
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Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Quote:
If its any consolation to you, I have had an HIV positive doctor. (Not dentist.) He was probably MORE careful and conscientious than an HIV negative one.
I would do what your heart tells you is right for you.
Thanks Bear,
I know when I my doctor told me he was positive (and I hadn't known for some time), my eyes welled up with tears, I just felt such a sense of relief, trust, and admiration all at once. I will never forget that. I want to be a dentist, I just need to know that I can do it, and that I can do it the right way. I would love to treat mostly positive patients, and be sure to follow all universal precautions.
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Barbdoll
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Reged: 07/30/08
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Posts: 39
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Loc: Belize
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Hello Doglove,
Let me tell you something. There are HIV pos doctors, dentist, lawyers, teachers, ect. Your profession has nothing to do with your status. You cannot live your life acording to what people think or will think about you. As long as you are safe and protect your customers you will be fine. You don't have to disclose your status to no one except the person you are sleeping with, if you don't want to. Just go ahead and live your life. i am going for my degree in Accounting and aint no one no society going to stop me. So live your life for you.
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Barbara A
Secretary
Belize City Belize
Central America
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This is only my opinion: If I knew my dentist was HIV+ I would feel so much more comfortable with him and I believe the shame and embarrassment of disclosing would be lessened. My last dentist I disclosed to was great about it, another dentist wasn't so inviting. Both times I felt great shame and embarrassment. I don't believe you should allow the virus to live life for you. Again only my opinion.
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Barbdoll
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Regular
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Reged: 07/30/08
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Good oppnion soaringfee I agreee with you
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Barbara A
Secretary
Belize City Belize
Central America
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I have to agree with Soaringfeenix on this: I WISH there were more HIV dentists/techs. Of all my caregivers, the one that seems to provide most "squeamish" approach are dentists and their techs. I completely understand: dentistry is a messy business but I think I would definitely select a POS dentist if they were in my plan, if only to miss the behind-the-plastic-mask wincing I see when they just clean my teeth, never mind work on my gums, haha. Live your life, after 20 years diagnosed, I've figured out it's the traffic that'll get ya, not the opinions.
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Bhammer40
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All Star
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Reged: 01/17/06
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Posts: 78
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Loc: Alabama
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Hate to say this but I believe that the Dental Board may not allow you to practices. All heath care workers who have infectious diseases like HIV or Chronic Hepatitis have to register with their state’s health department. Failing to do so can get your licensing pulled and open yourself up for legal and possible criminal consequences. If you wish to go into a medical field there are many options still available for you. Medical, Nursing, Optometry and just a few that have fewer restrictions. Although surgical procedures are fairly restrictive for the HIV infected physician where there is a chance of cross contamination because of accidental exposure. Right now there is a huge need for nursing students and for physical therapist and you may want to look into the viability of those or other choices. Hiding the fact that you are HIV positive and going into the Dental field is not a good idea. Eventually the truth comes out in the wash and you could be setting yourself up for unnecessary grief.
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Diagnosed 11/2005
Last Labs Drawn 10/18/2007
Cd4 906; 49%
VL 189
Still No Meds Yet
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There are many more HIV positive dentists, and dental students out there than you might think. The career choice comes with some complications, and disclosure requirements to state boards varies from state to state. Most protective laws deal exclusively with already licensed dentists (not students), so make sure you talk to the dental school (AFTER your acceptance). If you want to do it, it is possible.
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