(Albuquerque) My dental appointment

[left-of-center2012]

I went to the dentist yesterday. Everyone wore masks and face shields. Well, I had to take my mask off for the examination.
My regular dentist retired when the ‘virus’ came along, not wanting to invest in the effort or costs of meeting the requirements to stay open.

I looked around for a ‘new’ dentist but none were accepting new patients. But then I found one taking new patients and scheduled the appointment.
I was some what skeptical as there were a few reviews of the dental clinic online, all bad, saying the staff and dentists were very rude, etc.

While there, I encountered about six different staff members (receptionist, dental assistant, dentist, cashier, etc). All were very nice, friendly, polite and professional. It was a large clean facility with more modern equipment than my prior dentist. (Felt like an exam on Star Trek). It was the nicest dental experience I ever had.

This was just the initial visit and I need go back in August to have a wisdom tooth removed. He gave me the option of a root canal or extraction. I opted for the extraction as I’ve heard horror stories about root canals.

The big surprise was when I went to pay the bill, which was $283.
They had told me to bring proof of income. I thought they wanted to make sure I could afford to pay them. But they charge you on a ‘pay scale’, and based on my Social Security I only paid $30 of that $283. The remaining $253 was zeroed out.

I get a decent SS check each month, so I’m surprised, but happy, I got out of there for only $30. They did tell me the extraction costs $250, and I’ll pay $75 of that.

[captain queeg]

1. Glad to hear that. I just went this week and had a crown replaced

It went pretty well and it was a hot day so I figured what the heck I really need a haircut. That went well too, pretty much the same precautions as the dentist one guy came in w/o a mask and they told him he had to get a mask before getting on the schedule. I couldn’t see his face but he seemed to take it ok and left. I don’t think he’d come back by the time I’d left. Everyone seems to be cooperating around here. I have to go to the library today to pick up a book I put on hold. I guess they’ll bring it out to the car though I haven’t tried it yet. None of this stuff is that big of a deal. I don’t know why the whiners make it so.

[left-of-center2012]

2. There are 8 buildings in my apartment complex

About 200 residents,
plus 6 full time staff,
plus frequent contract workers (landscape, etc).

As I was leaving to go to my dental appointment I passed at least a dozen people working, walking their dogs, going to the mailboxes.

None wore a mask.

One maintenance man wanted to give me a 'fist bump'.
I declined and asked where his mask is.
He said "Ohhh, I forgot."

[Doreen]

3. I cancelled my appointment and scheduled for the appointment I would have six months later anyway.

I only needed a teeth cleaning and I did not feel that was important enough to risk myself with. I know the dentist I go to is much more than likely to be one who follows the rules but I just couldn't take the risk. I did get my hair cut yesterday and the ladies wore their masks and all of the customers did to. ( not many customers were there.)