Thank you for your thoughts though I have run into problems. I was disabled 3 years ago and laid off from my job. I applied for SSDI which was turned down and am now waiting on an answer to my hearing (they made a decision on April 11, 2003 and are STILL typing it up and said I have 3-5 MORE months of waiting). Meanwhile, because my VA disability check (my sole source of income) is $201, I make too much money to get a medicaid card and won't receive one until or if the SSDI is approved.

To get my gum checked out, I tried to go to the Health Department since I have no income nor insurance. Well that place is a joke. They only see people on Mondays and Thursdays, only the first 10 people, only if it is an emergency, and only for extractions, no screenings or anything else. None of the dentists nor oral surgeons in town will see me anytime soon nor can I afford their prices. So I made an appointment with Ohio State Dental School's Clinic, which I had said I would never return to because last year during a routine cleaning (they totally numb all the jaws of patients having cleanings for final exams for the students), they hit the nerve in my jaw, causing severe pain and inability to eat ANYTHING except ensure, slimfast etc. for 6 months last year. Well the soonest they can get me in is the 25th at 9am and that's for the initial screening. Will let you all know how it goes.