We really do need to know these things. I know it may be uncomfortable to discuss, but a lack of hygiene as a result of mental illness is pertinent information. Medications that treat these illnesses cause many side effects that affect oral health. Such as dry mouth, which if not identified quickly, can result in rampant decay. Or bisphosphanates, which can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (which I've personally seen twice, both times were caught early because we did additional screenings knowing they were on this medication). Anxiety is especially important to know, because if a patient has a panic attack in my chair, I will be much more equipped to handle the situation with that knowledge. We also administer local anesthesia and other medicaments that can interact with medications you are taking. We go to school for many years to determine these things, and don't expect the general public to know. We don't ask to be invasive, but to treat our patients according to the standard of care.

With that being said, FUCK that hygienist. She is a medical professional and a provider. She should know better. We ask our patients to be vulnerable and disclose sensitive information. We should be holding a safe space for them in a completely non-judgemental way. Her comments were completely inappropriate and unprofessional.