Newsgroups: sci.med.aids
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From: scott@phlpa.UUCP (Scott Scheingold)
Subject: AIDS Discrimination with dentists
Message-ID: <1991Apr16.102945.5720@cs.ucla.edu>
Note: non-commercial reproduction.
Keywords: Discrimination
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Archive-Number: 3087
Organization: Ians Playhouse
Date: 16 Apr 91 03:12:53 GMT
Approved: phil@wubios.wustl.edu 

I have recently come across my first case of discrimination
due to the fact that I have Aids. I want to know
what my available alternatives are as far as this dentist
is concerned. I have recently moved and had to find a new dentist
I talked to a couple of friends and got a couple of names of
dentists that they used. I chose one. I got to this dentists
office and filled out the first vist form. I was very honest
in answering all of the questions. One of the many questions
that was asked was what medications are you taking? I answered with
all my meds including DDI. The one other question that was asked
was have I been treated for AIDS. I answered yes. Now the doctor
took me back to a chair and started to look at the form that I
filled out. He asked me what DDI and a couple of my other meds 
where. I explained that DDI was an experimental aids treatment
and also explained the others that he had no idea what they
where. He then advised me that he could not preform any work
until he had clearance from my regular doctor. I gave him the 
number. He went to his office and made the phone call wich I
did verify with my regular doctor. He came back to me and
then put 2 sets of gloves on a mask and glasses on. I had
no problem with this because he has to protect himself.
Now then he looks in my mouth with his little mirror for 
2 seconds. This is no joke 2 SECONDS and says that I have 
HIV periondontal(sp?) disease and ABSOLUTLY no cavities 
without even taking an X-ray or poking around and that there is nothing
that he can do for me in his office because I have to have a
cleaning under the gums and there will be too much "blood
letting" to do in his office.  I will have to see a periodontist(sp?)
and he did not know what doctor would see me due to my condition.
	I talked to my friend who is HIV - and he had to have 
the same thing done. It takes about 4 visits to complete and
the very same doctor did it before in his office. I have
another appointment with a different dentist who I have confirmed
will see me knowing my condition. 

	What can I do about this dentist discriminating against
innocent people. Or is just another flaw in the twisted system.

Scott Scheingold