OMG! What goes on inside my mind is pretty scary stuff, Emily! Today I am in a little pain, not really life threatening, but my tooth is throbbing. Last week I visited my dentist and had no pain, and I blamed him for this current problem. I've been ticked off all week. (a) I thought he'd charge me again and (b) I didn't like his new staff. I finally just called at 4:30 and I'll be there are 8:30 in the morning. I called and insisted on speaking to Nancy, the only member of his staff I know from the past several years. I told her what was on my mind, that I didn't like the hygienist because she rushed me and was unpleasant and that the staff treated me like a second class citizen. I've spent a great deal of money, but I haven't been there in almost 2 years. It's very embarrassing when you're broke and you need to explain why you can't spend XXX when you need help. These women who are probably making $10 an hour somehow act as if they have an extra $3 or $4,000 in their wallets. Anyway, everything I thought would happen didn't and she said he won't charge me to check my bite and adjust it if necessary. I hope that's the only problem, because I just spent a small fortune on my car and $300 last week at his office. So, to sum this up...many times I am ready for a battle and when I confront my "opponent" there's no battle at all. Just a solution.

justx- those same ladies don't go for their yearly paps!!.   they don't have extra money - just act like they do. hope you're all better.