21 Comments
Does your dentist usually ask about or discuss your diabetes with you?
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I’m fired for the QotD. I answered yes but should be no. Not use to the new site yet and thought I was answering the question from my email link.
The ask my A1c only. They do not discuss treatment or anything else related.
They just ask about my insulin. Nothing else.
Basically, I’m only asked what my blood sugar control is like. Having said that, I haven’t seen a dentist in many years now as the one I’m registered with wouldn’t treat me because of my diabetes. He, instead, referred me to a local hospital to have a tooth extraction carried out.
The intake dental hygiene person asks questions about medical diagnosis, recent procedures, surgeries, and medication changes. The dentist does not discuss T1D.
Once said “don’t eat too many sweets” which betrayed a fundamental misunderstanding of t1. I get the uncomfortable feeling she thinks it is my fault my daughter is t1.
My last dentist (and his hygienists) did, but he retired. My new dentist only asked some brief questions and thus far the hygienists have not followed up.
When I first went there he saw Type 1 on my form and admitted that he is totally ignorant about it, but I don’t care. I have healthy teeth, so I get them cleaned, x-rayed when scheduled and that’s fine with me.
Yes, if I bring it up first for any discussion
No, there’s no reason for him to. He knows I follow up with my endo, ophthalmologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist.
My hygienist has a question about what was my last A1C. The dentist doesn’t actually ask or discuss it because generally my A1C is at non-D level anyway.
My dentist acknowledges my T1D and asks how it’s going. It’s going well and that topic ends.
I discuss it with my hygienist because she has T1D relatives. So it makes for interesting conversation. She also pointed out the dentist can code the exam as T1D related, if that helps with insurance.
Yes, both hygienist and dentist do. I’ve been able to turn around my gum disease because of their help.
I had one dentist who had a big red sticker on my file that had DIABETIC spelled out in big bold letters. He must have thought I was a biohazard patient. I quit him after my first appointment and told him exactly why. Never had that experience with any other dentists.
I always discuss my diabetes care and my medications with my dentist. Usually providing my A1C, and how I’m doing in general.
No, I do not discuss my T1D status with my dentist. Perhaps I should initiate such a conversation.
Yes, hygienist and dental staff ask about both my insulin and A1c’s
Just asked what A1C is. One day they will realize time in range is a better number to be asking.
I don’t see a dentist due to I have dentures and insurance doesn’t cover anything associated with dentures
My dental hygienists don’t understand the difference between type 1 and type 2. They ask for my morning blood sugar at each appointment rather than my A1C, which is the number relevant to my dental health. Other than asking for my A1C, I prefer to “discuss” my diabetes with my diabetes care provider.