@merpreb– Merry, i have rescheduled skin cancer surgery twice. I’m trying for July. Not comfortable yet. I had a phone visit with my PCP. He ordered a CT, which I had in a fairly safe environment. I would not go to dentist/ hygienist now.
It’s a day by day decision now.

@astaingegerdm– I can't see how to do it any other way but day by day. European countries that have opened are now shutting back down because of flare-ups of the virus.

I too am struggling with the idea of going to the dentist. I sure need my teeth cleaned, but I'm leery of the face to face contact, even though the dentists and hygienists will be wearing face shields in addition to masks.
Yesterday I did schedule repair surgery for my arthritic thumb which was already postponed due to the virus. An x-ray on Monday showed the joint is perilously close to collapsing, which would make it too late for the preferred, less aggressive procedure, and require fusion, causing loss of use and dexterity in my dominant hand. The clinic is using every tool at their disposal to be sure patients and staff are safe, so I have decided to go ahead.
Our state is beginning to open up, so we'll see how it goes in the 30 days until my procedure.
Sue

I am in a real tight spot. I got a letter from my dentist that he is going to retire June 30. I have a tiny place that we have been watching and we had decided that it was the time to act and my March appointment had to be cancelled due to coronavirus closings. I have I trust him to fix this because it is in a difficult place and he is determined to save my crown. I don't want to delay; I don't want to do it; I feel that I have to do it. So, I have made an apppointment for later in May.

@sueinmn– This seems like a wise decision. You have prioritized what needs to be done and I fine when I do this I feel less anxiety and pressure. Your thumb definetly needs more attention right now!

@rosemarya– I think that I would have done the same as you, Rosemary. Trust in doctors is so important and during this time it's even more important. My state has begun to open up a bit too much and I think that it's a mistake.

I certainly understand what you are saying, @rosemarya. I can't tell you how often I've worked hard to save a crown. Your dentist will undoubtedly take as many precautions as possible. I hope that all goes well for you in May.

On another note, will another dentist be buying his practice? I hope you can find a good replacement dentist. I've had a number of doctors/dentists retire in the last few years. It is always hard to let go of trusted professionals, especially during this time of COVID-19.

I chose this dentist some years back when my first dentist retired. I selected him because of his awareness and his familiarity with treating immunosuppressed patients. The dentist who bought my former dentist's practice did not meet my standards. So – I will find out when I see my dentist in a couple of weeks. …to be continued!

@merpreb My annual wellness exam has been scheduled/rescheduled 6 times, and is now cancelled until further notice. Ortho appt for my knee same except it is four times, now scheduled mid-June. Mammogram rescheduled 3 times, now mid-June. Dentist appt scheduled for mid-June, for cleaning. There was talk last fall of a new dentist taking over the practice, so I will find out ahead of time about that. My appts with oncologist and nephrologist are first week of June, and are expected to be in-office, at this time.

We continue to take precautions ourselves, even as we see more and more people flaunting their choice to go without masks or practicing social distancing. While I would love to get my hair trimmed [cannot do it myself] I am okay with "just letting it go" and grow a bit; no coloring so no worries there! It is my own personal opinion that people are jumping the gun too soon to ensure a safe return to more normal living.
Ginger

@gingerw– I think that we might need to be a bit defensive if people who are taking chances violate our personal space. What should we do? As far as hair! lol. My roots have roots

@merpreb I just did that on Monday, when getting labwork. I purposely set appt for 8:15, first of the day. That lab has set aside first hour for those at risk, with appts. Here comes a rather brawny young man, posturing, no appt, no facemask. Before he even got "into my space" I asked him to get a mask. He said "Says who?" and I pointed out the requirements on the wall next to him. He told me I was rude; I told him I was following their rules, and he needed to, also. The lab tech heard the whole exchange, and sided with me. Sigh…
Ginger

yike, that sounds scary.

@gingerw– You make a great point- tell your physcians that you are high risk, even if it's your age!