bearable side of catastrophe

Although I have tried to develop my mental toughness, I have spent the better part of the last week in agony.  Starting late on a Saturday night, I developed a tooth ache that just would not quit.  A few calls into our dentist on Sunday went unanswered until we called the office on Monday morning.  A quick trip into his office confirmed that I had an abscessed tooth, which by then had me looking pretty swollen and red.  I was put on an antibiotic and pain killers which did little at the time as I did not respond to this particular medicine.  I was counting the hours in which he said I should feel better, when that time came and went we called their office and he changed to a stronger antibiotic which seemed to start working late the next day.  (Don't even ask me how my stomach feels!)
I was also given the bad news that because this tooth had a crown on it, he would have to refer me to a specialist.  It seems as though nobody does an entire job by themselves anymore!  We did our research and found someone who was nearby and and their website stated he did this kind of procedure.  We even questioned them when we called.  Two x-rays later he let me know that he couldn't do this either, but he did charge me $106 to confirm what I already knew.  The first impression of this office and of this dentist left a bad taste in my mouth(pardon the pun), and I will not ever return to his office.  Sad that they resort to lying in order to get more business.
I have checked for dental insurance multiple time throughout our years of being self-employed and have always found it lacking.   Needless to say, we have been quoted anywhere from $1050.00 to over $2,500.00 for this procedure.  But, only around $150 to have the tooth pulled.  They are definitely taking advantage of their expertise by functioning like a business who actually cares about the well being of people in general.
Have you noticed that there seems to be a dentist office in every shopping center and office park?  I think there might be more of them then Starbucks!
In looking for any kind of service, it is important to be professional about what you do.  Put your customers at ease with the job that you are advertising for, and do it correctly and efficiently.  Don't cause more unnecessary pain.