# Dentists, Veterinarians, Opticians, What are they doing Now? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [April 6, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188 "2020-04-06T15:06:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/21 "2020-04-07T13:25:10Z")
I’ve just been to the vets. My dog needs dental surgery, but unless it’s an abscess, they don’t regard it as an emergency, and they’re only open for emergencies. They’re doing phone consultations, and prescribing meds, so I paid over the phone and went at a pre-booked time to collect. They had traffic cones blocking the surgery door, and I had to phone them to open the door. They left the meds on a bench for me. My niece’s boyfriend is a dentist. He’s now doing 3 days a week (on full pay), emergencies only. He says he may get drafted into the Covid fight at some point, as he’s also a qualified pharmacist (he has fitted in a lot of career in his 26 years on the planet). He works for the UK NHS. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAlecCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/67e7ee/32.png) [@SmartAlecCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAlecCat)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/22 "2020-04-07T15:31:09Z")
Some veterinarians are moving to a new protocol to minimize human contact. Something like this: When you arrive at the clinic, call the vet. Tech in PPE comes out, gets animal from car and takes inside. Wash hands, wipe down carrier, etc. Vets/techs call client cell phone and takes history, examines/etc. on speakerphone while client remains in vehicle. Tech takes animal back to car. Pay via credit card number on phone. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/23 "2020-04-07T16:15:39Z")
**SmartAlecCat** : I’m curious. Do the vets wash the animal? My upstairs neighbors have a dog, and every time they take their dog outside, they wash her before taking her back into the building. I really do not know if this is over-reacting. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/24 "2020-04-07T16:54:48Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > For my med, the group’s (that he works for, don’t know if it’s also law) requires him to see me every 3 months. In between those times I request the refill and then drive up there to pick up the script at the front desk. I can usually squeeze an extra month between appointments if I play it right, depending on which nurse is taking his messages that day. He’s okay with me pushing it as far as I can, one of his nurses is okay with it, but there’s another nurse that’s a stickler about it. I request refills on days she isn’t working. > > That’s how it’s been for the last 5 years or so. Every month call and go pick up a script. Every three months, they tell me I need an appointment, I set it for a month out and they’ll write the refill for today (hence the extra month). > > Last month, however, I requested the refill and it showed up at my pharmacy. Never had to pick up the paper copy. I asked them about it and they said as long as the pharmacy has his signature (e-signature?) on file, he can send anything over electronically now. > Anyway, that’s all to say that, yes, I do typically have to pick up a hard copy. The receptionist I talked to today when I was trying to figure out what was going on suggested they may just do an appointment over the phone. I imagine they’d prefer to keep as many people as possible out of their office. It wouldn’t surprise me if they let me skip a few ‘real’ appointments for just that reason. Nothing about this script is likely to change any time soon. > FWIW, my issue is the extra $500/year I have to hand over for a few 5 minute appointments. I have been on strong pain management drugs for many years. Several months ago my locality switched to all electronic. In fact it is now mandatory for all strong pain drug prescriptions. Now I don’t have to go pick up the hard copy of the RX as it is sent directly to the pharmacy where I am registered. That came as a relief and just in time to comply with more and more social distancing needs. I still have to see my doctor once every 3 - 4 months. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/25 "2020-04-07T19:19:53Z")
One of my cats was due for his 3-year rabies shot in March. I was having some health issues and put off taking him in; he’s strictly an indoor cat so I didn’t think it was that critical, but the rabies shot is required by the county so I knew it would have to be done eventually. By the time I felt up to dealing with in, the stay at home policies had been declared. I haven’t bothered to check with the vet to see if their walk-in rabies shot program was still in effect. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2021, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/26 "2021-03-12T07:03:59Z")
So I understand the President will announce that dentists and veterinarians will be allowed to vaccinate people. ---
**Author:** ![zimaane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a3d4f5/32.png) [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/27 "2021-03-22T13:46:52Z")
A few weeks ago my physical therapist mentioned that PTs are now eligible to take a short course and get a licence to give the vaccination. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/28 "2021-03-22T13:53:42Z")
Dentist, wait in the parking lot until they call you to come in. Vet, wait in the parking lot and they’ll come out to bring in your friend. Opticians, not sure, but they aren’t closed around here. Don’t know if transmission through the eyes has been confirmed, but everyone wearing nose and mouth masks and the optician wearing a face shield as well should work pretty well. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/29 "2021-03-22T14:19:16Z")
> [@VOW](#): > > By law, controlled drugs are handled differently. Even if your doctor were amenable to a tele-appointment, a CII drug can NOT be phoned or faxed to the pharmacy. I was surprised that a phone call was all I needed for my C1 drug prescription refill. My Medical Marijuana Recertification was done telephonically. I gave the receptionist my credit card details and as soon as the money transferred, I was put on with my doctor. “Is Medical Marijuana working out for you?” “Oh yeah!” Boom, done. And yes, cannabis remains a Schedule One Drug. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/30 "2021-03-22T14:30:32Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Last month, however, I requested the refill and it showed up at my pharmacy. Never had to pick up the paper copy. I asked them about it and they said as long as the pharmacy has his signature (e-signature?) on file, he can send anything over electronically now. I had two knee replacements in the past year and they have electronically ordered Oxycodone prescriptions for me. I know people who have been getting other Class II drugs that way for at least a year now. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/31 "2021-03-22T14:36:06Z")
The OP may be thinking of the zombie apocalypse. That’s when vets really shine! > **[Solid points to survive the zombie apocalypse | Funny quotes, Tumblr funny,...](https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/348677196146939944/sent/?invite_code=24db42657df140f6a1169043a782d2a7&sender=348677333558762942&sfo=1)** > > Apr 20, 2018 - Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/32 "2021-03-22T14:47:12Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > I had two knee replacements in the past year and they have electronically ordered Oxycodone prescriptions for me. I know people who have been getting other Class II drugs that way for at least a year now. Since I made that post, my doctor has sent everything over electronically now, including CIIs. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/33 "2021-03-22T14:48:33Z")
I don’t know when it changed. Do you know if this was just for the pandemic? ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2021, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/34 "2021-04-06T01:28:55Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > The OP may be thinking of the zombie apocalypse. No. I was trying to ask if vet, dentists and others of that sort were working in hospitals and clinics during the worst of this plague. I was surprised that we went in another direction. Still, I hope other people got something out of it. As I have mentioned, I fear my writing is getting worse. I was unclear. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2021, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/35 "2021-04-06T01:51:01Z")
Around here I believe dentists, and some others I’m forgetting, offered to help with giving vaccines. As it stands they have okayed some pharmacies/pharmacists. Since they were already doing seasonal flu shots, it wasn’t a big step. They are also deploying EMT’s to vaccinate shut ins. No one here in Ontario is getting it from their family Dr as yet, but that could happen in the future. I think vets might be a step too for for a lot of people, but who knows? ---
**Author:** ![Banksiaman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banksiaman/32/3334_2.png) [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2021, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/36 "2021-04-06T03:08:41Z")
> [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](#): > > So I understand the President will announce that dentists and veterinarians will be allowed to vaccinate people. Did this end up happening - as opposed to individual vets, dentists etc becoming supernumary volunteers? ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2021, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188/37 "2021-04-06T10:42:34Z")
> [@Banksiaman](#): > > Did this end up happening - as opposed to individual vets, dentists etc becoming supernumary volunteers? I do not have a cite, but yes one President or the other made such an announcement. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dentists-veterinarians-opticians-what-are-they-doing-now/851188.md?page=1)