[Zeeb]

No one I know can give me a suggestion for a decent dentist on my insurance plan. I choose one randomly off the Aetna DMO website that was close to me to get my teeth cleaned and I don't think they did a very good job but I guess it was ok. It was a lot shorter than other cleanings I've had and the hygenist wasn't very gentle. At any rate, they said I have two minor cavities that need to be filled but I'm not sure I want this dentist to do it.

I had a bad experience with a dentist some years ago. He said I had cavities all over and filled one whole side of my mouth--I left when he tried to prescribe valium to "relax me a little" during a visit. I then went to another good dentist who said the fillings he did were completely unnecessary. Unfortunately, that dentist is not on my new insurance. I'm not sure what to do about this.

[Cody Dawg]

Call an orthodontist or two in your area and ask them who they recommend as dentists. Then call those dentists and ask them if they take your insurance. If they don't then ask them who they recommend.

Most dental insurance is mediocre I've found, except for ours, United Health. (We had a few different companies over the years.) It costs us about $700 a year for our family, but it's definitely worth it because everything is paid for except for 20% and we are entitled to two cleanings a year each. We see a prosthodontist (who is also a dentist) and that way we have everything covered if we need caps, crowns, and fillings. Prosthodontists have extra training to work on teeth. They're excellent. See if you can find a prosthodontist under your plan (try calling your insurance company and asking) and call and ask if he/she covers regular dental work along with prosthodontics. Usually they do.

Good luck!