I'd like to thank my dentist!

[Horse with no Name]

Seriously. Having some extensive, expensive dental work done. Even with dental insurance, they are giving me a cash discount because of the expense.

Had some difficulty getting there a couple of months ago--his office gave me gift cards for dinner.

They were running late last time I was there--they gave me gift cards to the movies.

BUT...the most spectacular thing is...my granddaughter's dental insurance has very limited providers. Crappy policy. Took her to the dentist and they wanted to do some extraordinary things...like putting crowns on teeth that are getting ready to fall out...that kind of thing. I was like thanks, but really, no thanks.

My dentist isn't on her insurance as a provider. Was talking to him about it. He told me to just bring her the next time I come and he will just do the work for her--no charge--but he agreed that at her age, a crown on a baby tooth was just a little stupid.

I feel so fortunate about this. And grateful. Very grateful.

[greyl]

1. Nice story.

However, small point: There's no such thing as Dental Insurance.
Check with your favorite dentist for confirmation.

[Horse with no Name]

2. Oh I agree with that!

What we call dental insurance is pretty much a joke.

[greyl]

4. It's something I learned only a couple years ago.

Never having had "dental insurance", it never came up.
It's much better for people to have a dental healthcare savings account for themselves than it is to give money (too much of it) to any so-called insurance company.
It would only require the discipline to maintain that account.

[virgogal]

3. You are very,very lucky.

[Sal Minella]

5. If my dentist, or my hygienist, ever moves, I will move too.

I read on DU about $1200 for a crown and my molar crown cost $700, and he talks good left-wing politics to boot . . . and all of his staff has been with him for years. That place seems to have zero turnover.

And they have great magazines in the waiting room.

[Hugabear]

6. I have never understood why dentistry is handled so differently

Many jobs will offer health insurance, but not necessarily dental insurance.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why the two are separate. The mouth is part of the body, and many dental problems can have a direct effect on the rest of the body's health. Hell, you can die as a result of tooth or gum infections.

[Lugnut]

8. It baffles me as well.

The last time I checked my mouth was a part of my body. It's health, or lack thereof, is pretty important in my overall health. It makes no sense.

[catabryna]

7. I want to thank my son's dentist and orthodontist...

They are going to give my kid two missing teeth. My son has a bilateral cleft lip and palate and I got the shocking news that they are giving him two new enamel teeth that he's never had. Thanks Dr. Stafford and Dr. Ratliff!

Wide Smiles that no emoticon could ever express!

[Mnemosyne]

9. That is so cool, catabryna! Your excitement is showing! Kudos to the docs. n/t

[catabryna]

10. I'm so damn excited for my kid...

he's been through so much... he deserves this!!!!

[Mnemosyne]

12. I just love to hear this! What a difference it will make it his life!

I'm sure you are familiar with 'Smile Train'. My mother loved their mission so much that she left them a nice chunk of change in her will when she died, besides the regular contributions she had made for years, once she learned of their work.

How old is your boy? I pray he hasn't had to suffer too much cruelty. It sounds like he has a fierce advocate in you and is a very lucky guy.

I'm excited for him too!

[Horse with no Name]

14. That is SO wonderful!

I love this! Congrats to his new smile!

[monmouth]

11. Let's kick this for PC Intern (dentist)...He will enjoy it..n/t

[Angry Dragon]

13. Kick