Going to the dentist always makes me think of this piece of Bill Cosby’s comedy routine. I went to the dentist today…I haven’t been since 2006!! Life got in the way, stopped taking care of myself and along with that I didn’t really take care of my dental health. Needless to say I was dreading the appointment and those sharp metal claw like things the hygienist uses to scale the teeth. It hurt like the dickens!! I was surprised though, both the hygienist and the dentist said that my gums were fine, that I had no cavities to speak of and my mouth didn’t look that bad, considering. My dentist was very happy to see me too, lol…I have been going to him since I was 3.
Thank goodness I have dental insurance though…there have been 4 dental appointments in our house in the last week. The pediatric dentist submits the claim and has me pay him, then I get a cheque in the mail a few days later. My own dentist bills the insurance and the insurance company sends him a cheque. So today’s appointment cost me nothing out-of-pocket as regular checkups and x-rays are 100% covered. I am very thankful for those dental benefits!! It’s not quite 100% at the pediatric dentist…he’s a specialist so he charges a bit more than the general practitioner’s fee guide. He’s great with the kids though, especially Andrew with his special needs, so it’s a small price to pay.
Do you have dental benefits? Are they part of your work benefits or do you pay extra? For those of you who don’t have benefits, do you save up for dental, vision, etc? Can you claim those expenses on income tax (I have always had benefits, so I don’t know about the taxes)? Enquiring minds want to know.
Livin' Large - Tales of a Blended Family 