#I learned last summer that a 5-7 on pain scale for me would be considered a 8-10 for someone else. High pain tolerance and idiocy go brrr

[astral-catastrophe]

Okay so ngl burns suck, but all things considered, I’ve had worse

[jdrizzle15]

Her Second Return

Just like all of you, and especially my fellow Penny fans, I am absolutely devastated by the Volume 8 finale. I had been in quite a state these last few days, utterly heartbroken, and actually nauseous at times. It feels strange to me to be legitimately grieving a fictional character, but it’s not a bad thing to feel this way. To me, this just shows that CRWBY loves her just as much as us to have written her so well that we connect so completely with her, that it feels like we lost an actual piece of ourselves when she’s gone.

But as you can probably tell by the title, this mega post isn’t gonna be about accepting this end, not in the slightest! Today I want to share canon evidence that can point towards another return of our beloved quirky red headed cinnamon bun! I’m here to spread this hope that I and others in the Nuts & Dolts dolts Discord server have!

I have this separated into many different sections to keep these thoughts organized. With that said, here goes…

A Father’s Words:

In Episode 7 of Volume 7, ‘Worst Case Scenario’ we learn the origins of Penny’s aura, and thus her soul. We also learn that it takes more aura each time she’s brought back. This leaves open an option that could be used at a later point.

Many people theorized that Pietro could indeed revive Penny one more time, which he would absolutely do. But there also lies the possibility that someone else could donate some of theirs, I’m not sure about this as I feel like it’s akin to blood donation where compatibility matters or there's a high risk of altering her, but the possibility is definitely there.

Now, the conversation in Chapter 5 of Volume 8, ‘Amity’ that Pietro and Penny have is an important moment for both Father and Daughter. It was there to show how her death in PvP all that time ago really did have a heavy impact on him and is still affecting him to this day.

Instead of continuing to pretend that everything is A-okay, like he had done for most of Volume 7, he finally lets his true feelings about how it come out to Penny for what is quite likely the first time. Even going so far as to say "Are you asking me to go through that again?" when she offers to take the risk of trying to lift Amity with her power. He wants Penny to be able to live her life.

This entire scene with Pietro established “this is what will likely happen��� even if circumstances are much different now, it doesn’t negate the fact that this is a key part of Penny’s story. Scenes like these have a purpose beyond simply making an eventual death all the more heart wrenching. Her never actually getting to live her life makes those scenes basically moot. It makes them effectively pointless from narrative point of view. Unless there's more to it.

Building Relationship:

The build up between Ruby and Penny the last two volumes has been absolutely phenomenal with a definite destination in mind, and this doesn’t feel like that destination. So much of the arc of this season was to help Penny. This girl that our main protagonist absolutely adores and treasures, it would just be awful to throw all of that out for what amounts to an avoidable end. Why use so much of their precious and very limited runtime on deliberately building up this relationship only to end it abruptly, and permanently, when they’re separated?

In my opinion, RT is definitely smarter now than to intentionally set up what was really looking like a budding gay relationship only to kill one of them for good. If N&D wasn't actually going in a romantic direction, why would they leave in all of the romance-adjacent stuff that they got, that's not how ‘just friends’ act. And that is not something you use such valuable time building up for absolutely no pay off whatsoever...

Representation of Hope:

At its core, RWBY has always been about hope. It’s not at the forefront the whole time, but there's been an underlying theme of hopefulness that has persisted since it began. Some describe the show as a Hopepunk, I personally find this to describe RWBY really well. This genre of storytelling is about caring for things deeply and the courage and strength it takes to do so. It’s about never submitting or accepting the way things are. Fighting for what you believe in and standing up for others. RWBY fits all of this extremely well. How does this relate to Penny? She has been shown to be a sign of hope for everyone, but especially for Ruby, the main main protagonist. A prerequisite for a Hopepunk story is the hope.

Her first death in V3 was something that fundamentally changed Ruby. For the first time in the series, we see our main character all but broken by this event. With the loss of Penny, immediately afterwards, Ruby’s hope followed. She made up for it through determination and force of will. We see it affect her multiple times throughout the journey to Volume 7. But upon her return in V7, Hope reached a high point for everyone, the sheer relief on Ruby’s face is plain to see!

In V8 chapter 5 ‘Amity’, Penny literally raises hope by lifting the arena into the sky so Ruby could spread her message. And when she falls, and Amity with her, the connection is lost and hope plummets again. From there things take a very negative turn with the hack begins to take Penny’s agency.

In chapter 11 ’Risk’ is the point in the arc where everyone is reunited for the moment, so two separate hero stories are no longer a thing at that point in time. For the time being focus seemed to be shifted to care about the characters and how they’re going to solve the current problems. This is also where Ruby reaches her lowest emotional point in the season.

It’s not huge, but it’s interesting how connected this is. Before Ruby and Yang share a good cry over learning the possible fate of Summer, Yang brings up restoring optimism and hope to Ruby after the younger sister storms out of the room in frustration. This is where Penny’s scenes take up the rest of the episode. Getting Penny back in control of her own body and safe again is what makes the ending of the episode much brighter, when just 5 minutes before Ruby had been distraught and scared. This then spills over into the group coming up with the plan to use the staff, putting the main group in a much better mood. Of all the things to go right, it’s interesting that it’s Penny.

Things go wrong with the plan in the end and Penny dies. I find it interesting that once again, Penny got them hopeful in their chances of doing something right. Given said plan succeeded but at the cost of Penny of all people, Penny is shown to be the beginning and end of hope for them

The highest and lowest points for hope seem to directly correlate to when Penny’s around. When she comes back again, hope will return too, just like it had before. And because she’ll likely be back for good this time, the second return will probably be close to when Ruby is nearing the complete abandonment of hope. This would be pretty par for the course of the show honestly.

A little aside, but in a sense, Penny also represents Unity. The CCT in Vale fell after her first death, knocking out global communications and the unifying connection it gave. When it was restored for the briefest moment, she was there. Her body connected so she could allow for its launch, her soul lighting the night to hold up Amity with every ounce of her strength. So of course when the Hack succeeds and she falls, she takes global comms down again with her. At a smaller scale - even at the Hack's second last attempt to control her, she draws everyone in the Schnee Manor together. At the start of the volume, Yang states the one thing that they all agree on is not surrendering Penny.

Unity seems appropriate for one whose first song and wish was for but one friend, who would go on to find so many more in the process, and permit for a moment the possibility of all Remnant becoming friends once more. Where she first died, the name of the episode devoted to her story - Amity, "friendship", from the Latin root amicus, "friend" - she almost lives and dies with the very possibility of a united Remnant. It's no wonder she's a priority target for Salem, the great divider, and it seems natural that her next restoration may very well allow the next bid to bring the world together.

The Void Screams:

Moments after Penny's death, we hear a weird scream in the void space. It was a guttural, pained, angry scream, almost like the void space itself was crying out. All the portals shuddered and flickered when it happened.

Some think that this scream was Salem returning, but that happens earlier than Penny’s death, her return is signaled with cinder's arm acting up. We know this because after the arm finished flailing uncontrollably, Cinder said triumphantly "she's back." If it were Salem screaming, it would have happened after she fixed herself, but it didn't.

And I doubt Cinder would have been surprised or unsettled by it considering she was happy Salem returned not long before it. And why would a Salem scream affect the portals anyway, she has no connection to the staff or it's magic.

Another thing to consider is the fact sound is not transmitted through the portals. Otherwise, they would've heard Oscar and the rest calling for them, or the screams of the citizens of Mantle and Atlas. This lowers the possibility of that scream being from Salem even further.

The sound really seems to be coming from something else entirely within the void, and that something is not at all happy. There’s also the fact that Penny was the only person who died in the void space, everyone else was just thrown out of it like Ruby and Co. The only logical cause to me is Penny. Her body was a product (or byproduct) of the same creation magic that made the void space, her blood seems to have been a trigger.

Now I can't be sure about it, but this makes me feel like Penny is almost a part of creation itself? For whatever this thing is to be so angry, that is the only explanation I can think of currently. But all of this could possibly relate to the Narnia allusion of 'the willing victim killed in a traitor's stead' that others have brought up, which will be covered next.

Narnia Parallels:

Atlas has several parallels and references to fictional places (putting aside real world ones like the United States). One of those is that of Narnia, both on the surface and on a deeper level. It is a land of winter year round, where people struggle to survive and there is a present divide between those loyal to the current Monarch and those who are not. James is a parallel to Jadis, the White Witch, a ruler whose thoughts and cares aren’t exactly centered around the actual well being of the people. The hologram table in Ironwood’s office is designed to look like stone, like the Stone Table which features prominently in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He has a handpicked cadre of special agents/secret police, like how Maugrim and his wolves served Jadis. Another key parallel is how Jadis’s winter sets in to oppress and kill everyone in Narnia, but the Witch provides aid and protection to her loyal followers. She has all the power to spare harm to others, and uses it only for the loyal. As soon as Mantle splits from James and Atlas, no care is taken to protect them from the cold of Solitas even though he has every ability to turn the heating grid back on. His protection is only for the loyal.

Now that the parallel is established, let's look into the details. Starting with how James plays the role of Jadis.

"I had forgotten that you are only a common boy. How should you understand reasons of State? You must learn, child, that what would be wrong for you or for any of the common people is not wrong in a great Queen such as I. The weight of the world is on our shoulders. We must be freed from all rules. Ours is a high and lonely destiny." These are the words Jadis says in the Magician’s Nephew to justify the blood civil war she and her sister had waged for rulership of Charn, before she came to Narnia. She won that war, technically, but only after the last battle had been lost and her sister had marched right up to her so that they were face to face. Jadis’s troops were dead, her followers had surrendered, and the capital was under full control of her sister. But, she still had one card, one ultimate play to win and prove the throne of Charn was rightfully her. The Deplorable Word, a piece of old magic that killed everyone and everything except for her on Charn. It was monstrous, senseless, cruel beyond measure. But it got her that hollow victory. This mindset, the disregard for the people except as tools for her own will, the ultimate ‘aoe’ destructive move that no one had even considered her using, the unwillingness to stop even when by all practical measures the war is over, is a shocking parallel to James. In many ways, he is Jadis in mindset and deed.

Then there is the shared desire for A Thing that both James and Jadis have. For James it’s the Winter Maiden and control over her. For Jadis it’s the Silver Apples from the Tree of Youth. And funnily enough, the Maiden Powers parallel the Apples quiet well. These apples grant power and a life of eternal beauty, but should not be taken or eaten on one’s own initiative. They must be given, a gift granted by another, or only suffering will come from obtaining them. "For the fruit always works — it must work — but it does not work happily for any who pluck it at their own will. If any Narnian, unbidden, had stolen an apple and planted it here to protect Narnia, it would have protected Narnia. But it would have done so by making Narnia into another strong and cruel empire like Charn, not the kindly land I mean it to be.” Jadis’s immortality, and some of her power, come from the fact that she ate an Apple of her own will after stealing her way into the garden where the Tree of Youth had been planted. She gained the eternal life she had wanted and the power along with it, but she did so by taking it and was cursed because of it. Her skin turned pale and her lips blackened as if she were a frozen corpse given life. She will be trapped in a life of misery and hate according to Aslan- oh hey Cinder, how’s having stolen the Power you always wanted working out for you? Cinder had the power she wanted, but she only got hungrier, eager to claim more and increase her might. But in her pursuit she was defeated and humiliated by Raven, had to steal her way out of Mistral, and then suffered defeat after defeat while in Atlas. Only in the end, when she didn’t keep pursuing the Maiden Power, did she get any kind of victory.

The reason these parallels to Narnia are so important is one of the most famous events of the series. The cracking of the Stone Table and the rebirth of Aslan after his death. ‘When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward.’ Well, the ‘Stone Table’ in James’s office has cracked, and Penny strikes me as a pretty willing victim. She has never actually committed any actual treachery or harm, as she was the Protector of Mantle, and fought for its and Atlas’s people until the very end. And because of her death, the actual traitor, Winter, who loyally served James until he had gone too far, was saved. Through Penny’s self sacrifice, Winter was saved. So now Death itself will start working backward.

(Major props to my friend @catontheweb for writing this section, I was getting nowhere with it, if they weren't there this part wouldn't exist!)

Norse Mythology:

The tree we see in the post credit scene gives off some serious Yggdrasil vibes. Also called the World Tree, it is essentially all of creation in Norse Mythology. It connects all nine realms, including the God realms of Asgard, the human realm of Midgard, and the underworld of Hel.

Humans are born from the branches of Yggdrasil. The web of Wyrd is woven for every person once they're born, and their path is set from there regardless of how many times the souls cycle over. But at the end, they're destined to end up in one of the worlds, for a myriad of reasons.

I believe Penny landed closest to this giant tree. She was on the center platform in the void space, so if that space is directly above the island(?) the tree is on, it makes sense for her to fall by the center nearest to the tree. This would not only open up all kinds of possibilities for the volume in general, but it would also create options for Penny.

The whole of Yggdrasil’s representations fit well into Penny’s story. Birth, growth, death and rebirth. We can count Penny’s appearance in V7 as birth for now, her growth is all her development in leaving =the military and becoming a Maiden, her death just happened, and her rebirth would be her revival. And this is a cycle she’s gone through before.

The Norse god Odin and Yggdrasil have quite a connection. In one story, Odin cut out one of his own eyes to gain knowledge from a pool underneath Yggdrasil. The only one that fell whose eyes alone are incredibly significant to the story was Ruby. So, they could choose to have her allude to Odin by having Ruby make some kind of deal with whatever entity likely rules over this magical place. An eye for Penny’s life.

There’s another story about Odin, Yggdrasil and the pursuit of knowledge. Odin so loved knowledge, that he sacrificed himself in a quest to learn the deeper magic of runes. It was believed one could only learn the magic spells from runes in death. So, Odin hung himself on Yggdrasil for nine days as an offering, and teetered between life and death. After he mastered the last spell on the ninth night, he ritually died and all light was extinguished from the world. Odin’s death lasted until midnight, when he was reborn and light returned to the world.

This story doesn’t fit Penny perfectly, but allusions often don’t. So If she really did land near the tree, she could be another loose representation of Odin’s story here. What she did wasn’t for knowledge, but to save her friends and keep Cinder from getting the Winter Maiden power. She believed it necessary that she sacrifice herself to achieve this end. As we established, Penny represents Hope, so her death means the loss of hope. This parallels Odin’s story of his death meaning the loss of light itself. So if this theory holds up, it would make this death temporary, until her rebirth and the return of Hope with her once again.

Alternatively, Ruby has the potential of loosely representing Odin in this story as well. Odin later uses the knowledge of the runes to do many things, but the most relevant one right now is awakening the dead. Both of these stories are about making a personal sacrifice to gain something that is desired. Ruby would absolutely make such sacrifices if it meant saving Penny.

It is said that Odin lived “according to his highest will unconditionally, accepting whatever hardships arise from that pursuit, and allowing nothing, not even death, to stand between him and the attainment of his goals." This sounds like Penny's arc of accepting the WM powers. This is more just a general connection between Penny and Odin, but I found it interesting.

Side Note: I encourage anyone who’s interested to look into RWBY connections to Norse Myth, there’s a surprising amount of things that feel eerily similar to the show. Likely just coincidental, but it’s fun to think about!

(If I got any of this wrong, I sincerely apologize by the way. I researched as best I could, but I admit it could have been lacking.)

Ambrosius and the Staff:

Ruby told Ambrosius "we kinda wanna keep her around longer than that" as part of her very specific instructions. Then Penny died about ten to fifteen minutes, at the absolute most thirty minutes later in-universe. I don’t know about you, but to me that seems very short to be considered ‘longer than that’. Technically it is, but when writing a story and a character says something like that, you typically don’t just kill the character they were referring to basically right away. It makes sense for a week-by-week watch, but in a volume binge, which many viewers do, it becomes ironic how fast Penny dies after being removed from her robotic body.

The first time we see the staff of creation being used, it's to save Penny. Using the staff of creation to help Penny is a sign of how incredibly important she is.

They’ve even got this entire transformation sequence for her, so it wouldn’t make sense for them to throw all that away two episodes later. In a meta context, it’s a massive waste of time and budget considering the asset creation for Penny.

Penny is a character who has already hopped bodies two times. And now we're supposed to just believe that this time it really is a final death? Just two episodes after we were explicitly told her body isn't what matters, that "Her soul is who she is" and that "the mechanical parts are just extra"? From a writing perspective, it feels strange, like your breaking a promise right after making it. And frankly, CRWBY is better than that, which makes me think this is not the actual end for her.

A possible connection between Penny, Ruby, and the Staff (thus Creation) can be seen in the intro. As Ruby is falling and being dragged down into the darkness, she is shown reaching for the staff. In the void space, Penny is the one with the relic. So with Penny having this strong connection to Creation, and the lyrics “fight for every life” playing as Ruby reaches for the staff, it’s a safe assumption to make, with the knowledge we now have, that the Staff of Creation represents Penny in this particular moment. Which could mean that V9 will be about, at least partially, fighting for Penny’s life.

Musical Hints:

In terms of music, Friend, as a song for Penny, is very dissonant from the episode itself. The song is oddly cheerful for Penny’s recent untimely death, and it overall highlights the wrong parts of death. It’s simply too happy to be a song about losing one of the most, if not the most joyous characters in the entire show. The song also abruptly ends. There’s no outro, and while this could symbolize the fact that Penny died young, it could be that the song itself is unfinished in a story sense.

What do we hear just before the song finishes, though? A progression of notes that sounds eerily similar to the last line of the opening of Volume 8. The notes for “Fight for ev’ry life” and “Who fin’lly felt alive'' share a similar melodic structure, they aren’t perfect clones of each other, but they are incredibly similar, to the point where it seems intentional. Penny may very well be the life that the opening song is fighting for. It is also worth noting that the line “Fight for every life” comes just after “Sometimes it’s worth it all to risk the fall,” which is the exact wording used for the description in the Volume 8 finale. Team RWBY risked the fall, yet, strangely the opposite of fighting for every life happened with Penny’s sacrifice. Perhaps the time to fight for every life has yet to happen, and we will see it come Volume 9.

For another thing, the lyrics for Friend are entirely centered on Penny’s feelings for Ruby, to the point where they read very much like a bittersweet love song. The music itself is incredibly cheerful, as mentioned previously, creating a mood whiplash with the end of the volume. Why would we hear a song about Penny’s feelings for Ruby, sounding like a love song, if her death is supposed to be a tragic sacrifice akin to Pyrrha��s? The song may very well be giving a clue into its future use in the show proper.

If this was meant to be a good bye song, why make it so cheerful and romantic sounding? There's only one part about her dying and even then, it's just too accepting and goes right back into cheerfulness. The song is also pretty hopeful, telling Penny's story in a fairly chronological order. And the part where she talks about sacrifice is quite pointedly followed up by one about feeling alive. It also ends with the super cheerful chorus, the word "alive" being the last... (Remember the episode title: The Final Word)

(I want to thank my friend @shadow-0f-x for writing the majority of this section! I was struggling to choose how to tackle it as I am not well versed in music theory.)

What We Didn’t See:

It is likely that Penny understood Jaune's semblance better than him and figured something out about it’s abilities in the same way that she understood Ruby's semblance better than her. She had plenty of time to observe his semblance up close as he boosted her aura to stave off the virus. Because of that intentionally timed cutaway in the finale, we don’t get to hear her explain herself after her strained “Trust me.” All of that seems really suspicious to me.

Pyrrha Parallel:

Pyrrha and Penny both sacrificed themselves to stop or stall Cinder. Jaune tried to convince the both of them to stop. With Pyrrha, he failed, while with Penny he actively helped her sacrifice herself. Doesn’t make sense for the guy who was determined not to let anyone else do what Pyrrha did, unless of course Penny assured him she’d be alright.

The Moment:

RT including the suicide hotline in the description shows that they're aware that Penny basically committed assisted suicide, seeing it as a noble sacrifice worth doing to save her friends. They're aware, and I believe they're smart enough to condemn that decision to hell and back.

The best way to do that in my opinion is to pull her back into the land of the living and let her witness first hand the consequences of throwing her life away so freely. This would show Penny how her actions affected others so maybe she could learn to truly value herself. To not think herself expendable. It would be bold and unwise to portray this choice as something good, unless it was going to be called upon later and be pointed out for how horrible it really is.

On top of this, Penny was way too content with her death, happy even. There's no way team RWBY is letting her stay content with it. It’s almost as though we're supposed to join Ruby and Co. in calling bullshit on what Penny is saying and doing because no, Penny, this is not how things are meant to work. It's as if Penny was basically saying "I want to die for my friends" because most of the volume had been about everyone else making sure she didn't die. She knows it will hurt them. She knows.

At the peak of it all, a choice like this will totally destroy Ruby. It may very well be her breaking point for Volume 9. Curiously, the moment itself is written like it’s the first choice Penny’s ever made, yet the entire Volume shows this isn’t the case. However, this is the first choice that Penny’s made solely independently and it’s rather pertinent that the choice she makes is a mistake. Outside of giving Winter the Maiden gift and saving the day temporarily, this sacrifice will not have any lasting positive effects. Jaune will be saddled with the grief of killing Penny. Ruby will have to live with losing her best friend and not being able to protect her a second time, and Winter now has the burden of the Winter Maiden abilities, making her a target of Cinder. This is a bad thing, and Penny needs to see the long term consequences.

Transfer of Power:

As we all know, colors in RWBY are really important and get a lot of focus in the show. That means the yellow we see as Penny gives Winter the Maiden Powers was intentional and likely important, no matter how insignificant it may seem. It’s possible that the transfer effect being yellow could have something to do with Jaune’s semblance. When Fria gave the power to Penny, the effect was very much blue, so this transfer should have been green since she was the one giving it this time. The weirdness of this transfer and the focus on color in RWBY really makes it look like something’s up with how that went down.

A little off topic, but Penny saying "I won't be gone, I'll be part of you." makes me think... Winter is smart, so when she gets time to think about what Penny said, maybe she'll arrive at the same question many in the audience came to; if she's literally part of Winter, can they be separated again? If Winter starts questioning that, the possibility of Penny coming back just skyrockets.

Fria actually tells Penny "I'll be gone" before giving her powers up, which is an interesting contrast to Penny telling Winter "I won't be gone". She may have gotten that line from Winter be all philosophical in V7, saying Fria was now a part of Penny, but it hits differently coming from an actual Maiden. S5o it’s possible that Maidens usually actually will be gone, but Jaune's semblance did something to change that.

This could go well with the theory that they won't need to find an aura transfer machine, or build another one, because Jaune will have a semblance evolution allowing him to do the transfer instead. It might actually be that this evolution already happened and the golden light we saw was Jaune transferring penny's aura to Winter in some way?

An observation that I find interesting is when Penny gives winter the powers, not only is the aura yellow but penny completely glows yellow too, and she obviously starts to disappear, but she doesn’t seem to fully disappear, she just glows.

It's possibly a fading out effect and she does fully fade but animation makes bright light easier, and so we don't actually see her disappear because she's dead and not gone. But it does once again emphasize the color yellow here!

And the color is coming from Penny, it does go up Winter's arm a bit, but Penny is clearly the source. This transfer is so weird and I’m not really sure how to interpret it. There's just actually no reason that we are aware of to make the effect yellow here is the thing. Unless it has something to do with either Jaune or Ambrosius, or potentially a combination of both...

Jaune’s Aura:

The way we see Jaune's aura break in the finale is strange. His aura shouldn't be breaking here. It had been long enough since he was boosting Penny, he's had time to recharge, and it didn't look like it was a strain on him at all. Plus, we know he has a lot of aura, so there probably wasn't too much to recharge in the first place.

He has a massive amount of aura, it has never broken before as far as I remember. Even if it has though, that doesn’t make this occurrence any less odd. It should absolutely never be a one-hit KO. We didn't see anything that would've drained it, that should not have been enough to break his aura. Unless he did something - something that would require a huge amount of aura - that we just didn't see. That amount of aura drain is far more than just an attempt at healing would do, Jaune absolutely did something with his semblance that took up almost all of his aura.

Pinocchio Allusion:

As any Penny fan knows, her character allusion is Pinocchio, the puppet who became a real boy. Penny deviates from the allusion by having always been a real girl, as Ruby is quick to point out, but she shares many story beats with her original story including multiple deaths. In the original story, Pinocchio dies from being hung by his own strings due to his poor decision making and he dies. Sounds a little familiar, does it not? This is where his tale originally ended. Readers were unsatisfied with this ending however, so the author decided to change the story by reviving Pinocchio and teaching him to be more careful.

Unlike Pinocchio making all the wrong decisions, Penny often makes the right ones, or ones she thinks is right, when concerning others. While usually a good thing, this has meant Penny almost giving herself up multiple times during V8, her last attempt being successful. This is where Penny and Pinocchio begin to share similarities again. They are both very reckless when it concerns themselves. This carelessness comes from different places, but it ends with the same result of them endangering their lives and even sometimes losing them.

In the Disney movie, Pinocchio dies by drowning after going to rescue Geppetto and washes up on the shore (like the beach in V8’s post credit scene). His father is devastated and takes him home to grieve, but as a reward for his selflessness in rescuing his father, the Blue Fairy returns and brings him back to life, as well as granting him humanity. Penny sacrificed her life as well, and it stands to reason that she should be rewarded for it, much like her allusion was.

Penny got her maiden powers from someone with blue aura and then gave her powers to someone with blue aura. So it could be that not only Ambrosius, but Fria and Winter as well represent the Blue Fairy. It could be set up for Winter helping to bring Penny back to life once more. It’s an out there theory I admit, but it’s not outright impossible either. The Blue Fairy in Pinocchio saved him three times that I know of, so RWBY having three representations does make sense.

Geppetto wished for him to live as a real boy, but it depended on what path Pinocchio took. This is very reminiscent of Penny and Pietro. Pietro wants to see her live her life, and surely with him absent in V8C14 that didn't work, despite Penny choosing. Her father did not see her happy enough to live her life, and will only be able to learn her death through others. But Pinocchio's themes were life and being alive. So the likelihood that this is not her end yet is quite high!

A Girl That Fell Through the World:

Penny could be the girl who fell through the world. The girl in the story fled the consequences of a choice. The only person who chose her ultimate fate was Penny. The others were pushed into the void, but she chose to die. The consequence of her choice is Ruby’s grief first and foremost, which Penny won’t see. The girl who fell through the world does come back though, and the world will be changed severely with Penny’s absence. Alternatively, it could also be Penny coming back to Wonderland or wherever they currently are, as long as it’s unrecognizable to her.

What Returning Brings:

Others might say another return would have no story relevant purpose, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Penny gives a profoundly youthful, joyous, and wondrous outlook on the world and story that we hadn't seen since Ruby in Volumes 1-3(not the end), Penny returning would bring a much needed levity back in after the despair they will undoubtedly be going through. While not necessarily a huge thing in most other shows, for RWBY, a show largely about keeping up hope, an ounce of such relief is a necessity.

As much as I hate saying it, Penny’s death does actually make some narrative sense because she had to pass on the Maiden powers. (They could have done this in a number of ways, and I personally think they chose rather poorly, but I digress.) Throughout this whole volume, we can see Penny seemingly being set up to join the main cast, but would have been too strong with the powers. This also accomplishes ridding her of the burden of responsibility that comes with being a Maiden and lets her obtain the freedom that’s so important to her character.

Once she returns, seeing this grief that her actions caused, particularly to Ruby, will get her to realize more that her actions can have serious repercussions. She made a choice, but that choice hurt the people she loves. She must have known that it would but I’m not sure she ever realized just how much.

I didn’t want this post to be heavy in the shipping department, so I largely left it out, but I am going to say this one thing that could have an impact. If Nuts & Dolts is on its way to being canon, which this volume makes it feel highly likely, this could be a catalyst.

It could prompt an arc for the both of them in which Penny learns to live her life fighting for her loved ones, rather than sacrificing it for them. A relationship could potentially start from there. And Ruby seeing Penny learn these things may also help her to stop doing the occasional but very dangerous and reckless things she does. Ruby witnessing Penny coming to terms with what she did to the people that care about her would actually make her stop to think “wait, is this how everyone else would feel if I got myself killed?” That would be a very important moment of character growth for her.

I’m certain there are other significant things that Penny returning can bring to the show. And there are definitely more sections I could add to this. At this point though, assuming anyone even made it this far, I think I’ve been going long enough already. So let’s just roll into the outro!

As painful and hopeless as it seems, I'm choosing to trust them with this because there is absolutely no way they didn't see backlash coming. The way this finale went makes me think that they calculated for backlash and aren’t jumping into something they don’t have a plan to recover from. Whether this trust is unfounded or not remains to be seen, but I don’t think it is currently. I do think, however, that the cause of this backlash was a major misstep. Now that it has happened though, they have a chance to do something good with it.

I know for a lot of you, trust in CRWBY has been damaged, some even irreparably so. And for those that feel this way, I don’t blame you. My trust in them took a hit too, but isn’t broken completely yet. There are many ways that they can bring her back that would make sense with the narrative, they have the ability to make it right, and after going over all of the hints and general weirdness of things many times, I think they will.

I'm feeling pretty confident now and I really didn't expect that to happen at all to be honest. But discussing and theorizing with the discord server seriously helped get my hopes back up surprisingly fast! It’s actually thanks to all of them that this gigantic post even happened! So thanks a ton my fellow Dolts! And a special thanks to!!

@arcana-amicus

@catontheweb

@cosmokyrin

@gaydontmesswithme224

@jammatown919

@shadow-0f-x

They really helped get this thing across the finish line!

And thank YOU for reading all~ of this! I sincerely wish it gave you some of the hope and confidence that I now have!

[etspera]

@ Tagging Game

i was tagged by @hitsuaya who is fantastic!

rules: tag 10 people you think would like to be tagged, and copy/paste the asks into a new post. Answer all/as many of them as you want!

1. do you prefer writing with a black pen or a blue pen? meh, i don’t mind either: writing with my hand is what makes it special! 

2. would you prefer to live in the country or in the city? i love Budapest, don’t get me wrong, but as @hitsuaya mentioned, living by the sea together is an absolute Goal. Hitsu could decorate our walls with their drawings Jean Cocteau style (https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/la-villa-santosospir)

3. if you could learn a new skill, what would it be? i am learning knitting at the moment, don’t at me... also, i would love to know how to use photoshop!

4. do you drink your tea/coffee with sugar? no. 

5. what was your favorite book as a child? Baráth Katalin, a Hungarian write, had this book where a girl gets lost in Greek Mythology, cause HERMES asks her one day after school. It basically shows Jason’s story with the Golden Fleece through a Hungarian teenage girl’s eyes.... AMAZING. Also. Hungarian Shaman book: Gergő and the Dream-Catchers!! Meg Cabot was also a fave, I remember eating her books.

6. do you prefer baths or showers? showers, cause they energize or sooth me. I can feel actually clean after them idk; it’s not a rational thing. 

7. if you could be a mythical creature, which one would you be? Vampire - why be dead when you can continue to be funny and sexy. 

8. paper or electronic books? there is nothing like paperbooks, though i understand the pain of not knowing where to store them. 

9. what is your favorite item of clothing? i have a long cotton dress that is covers me BUT lets air in and since it’s a simple beige thing, i can accessorize boldly :-) 

10. do you like your name? would you like to change it? i love my name, thank You. 

11. who is a mentor to you? a what. 

12. would you like to be famous? if so, what for? not famous, but i want to have something to be remembered by. :-) A book or several. 

13. are you a restless sleeper? depends on my moods: when there is a lot of work, i sleep like a baby, when something has upset me, i find it hard. also, many mock me cause i can fall asleep VERY easily. 

14. do you consider yourself to be a romantic person? i know i am, it is my hybris.

15. which element best represents you? water - last year and this year taught me humility and how emotional i really am. i fought a lot over the years to hide this part in me, or “correct” this sensitivity, but what i learnt that it’s a core part of my personality and who i ultimately want to be. 

16. who do you want to be closer to? i want to be loyal and supportive of the friends i have, and be much stricter who i let in close. 

17. do you miss someone at the moment? yes.

18. tell us about an early childhood memory. i remember memorizing floor tiles at my grandmother’s house with my brother. It was summer, the window was open, my grandmother slept in the afternoons and we connected imaginary dots and names different shapes through the tile geometry. it’s a good memory. 

19. what is the strangest thing you have eaten? Bayou stew with alligator tails in it.

20. what are you most thankful for? every opportunity to learn something new, and also that fate (however you call it) let me meet loving people whom i can freely love too!! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

21. do you like spicy food? YES. Hungarian cuisine is also more than ideal for this purpose.

22. have you ever met someone famous? i’ve seen them from afar and that was enough.

23. do you keep a diary or journal? continuity?? in this brain??? less likely than you believe. 

24. do you prefer to use pen or pencil? pen

25. what is your star sign? libra sun, cancer moon, capricorn rising... control freaks united.

26. do you like your cereal crunchy or soggy? I love CRUNCHY cereal, but imma be honest with You, i usually forget i have breakfast ready and it gets soggy. 

27. what would you want your legacy to be? i would like teenage/ young adult/ adult girls from a modest or abused background in my present and my future feel understood and represented; to make them feel and make them know it gets better and we are not alone. i would like to teach a lot of children and teenagers about the absolute humanity and joy and selflessness and cruciality of art. 

28. do you like reading? What was the last book you read? Yes! I reread Joseph and His Brothers by Thomas Mann. That book series fucks. 

29. what are you afraid of? being shamed and misunderstood. 

30. what is your favorite scent? cinnamon; the air before a great storm. 

31. do you address older people by their name or surname? nicknames, though i check with them. i rarely use people’s first names in person, it is a very intimate act for me. 

32. if money was not a factor, how would you live your life? “in a small house near the ocean in Italy of course” :-) 

33. do you prefer swimming in pools or the ocean? T H E    D E P T H   O F  T H E   O  C  E  A  N.

34. what would you do if you found $50 in the ground? i mean. i would search for its owner a bit, but otherwise keep it and buy myself and/or someone a gift? 

35. if you were to get a tattoo, what would it be and where would you get it? have already a scale sign on my left arm; i’m thinking of tattooing a quote too. 

36. what can you hear now? cars outside and some music from my brother’s room. 

37. where do you feel the safest? when i am alone. but that can also bug me or take me down in the long run. 

38. if you could travel back to any era, what would it be? i am not that interested in time travelling - human nature remained and remains as terrible and terrific as before (though i’d check out 16th century Europe). 

39. what is your most used emoji?  🙃 🙃 🙃 🙃 🙃 🙃

40. describe yourself using one word. wistful.

41. what do you regret the most? cruelly and very suddenly cutting one specific person out from my life in fear of intimacy and as a remnant of deep-seated childhood issues.

42. last movie you saw? Mother/Madeo (2009) superb film. 

43. last tv show you watched? Santa Clarita Diet, netflix you fucking coward.

44. invent a word and its meaning: hypatheon - a sense of dread actually paralyzing you. 

if the following people have time and energy and are in the mood, please don’t hesitate: @trulytheoretical @neverfeedthesarcophagi @mybrainishealthy @niquesse @wolfhalls @woman-wolf-witch @vividfantasy7 @via-whitmore @merfaerie @sovietspies 

[borggolf]

My 2020 Golf Year

In the past several years around late February into March I would watch the weather forecast every day, hoping for a high near 50 degrees with no snow on the ground. Many people believe I’m crazy for wanting to golf so early in the season. Once a worker in the clubhouse told me on a 50 degree day in February that he wouldn’t be out there playing “even if a $100 bill was on the first hole’s flag.” But I just can’t wait to hit the links after the long offseason, at least most years. 2020 was much different.

Still recovering from a sore shoulder and with the COVID shutdowns beginning around mid-march, I had little desire to golf. Even when the courses opened up for walking-only, there were a few days that were quite warm but I just couldn’t get myself to put the clubs in the car. Not so much that I was worried about the virus, but more in that my shoulder still hurt and I was afraid that swinging a club again would make it much worse.

It wasn’t until May 1st when I finally decided to play a round. I’d actually put the walking cart in the trunk, but the state just started allowing motor carts to be used. My score that day and most of my rounds in May were atrocious. I didn’t card a respectable score until mid-June. I’d just gotten my handicap under 15 near the end of 2019 and it ballooned up to 20 by the end of June. But there was an unexpected silver lining: the shoulder pain not only didn’t get worse, it greatly improved.

I’m not really sure how it worked as my orthopedic doctor, my physical therapist, and my chiropractor all told me I shouldn’t golf as long as I’m still experiencing pain. But the first few rounds significantly helped the aching I’d been experiencing over the entire off-season. The pain was still there, and it would worsen a little as I did what I said I shouldn’t and started playing 4 rounds a week again, but nowhere near as bad as it was last year or even the year before. Possibly the best thing I did, which could have culled the situation had I started doing it in 2018, was I iced my shoulder immediately after rounds. I was finally feeling better about my golfing health, until my golfer’s elbow returned with a vengeance.

Around 4 years ago I was golfing nearly every day and developed what’s known as “golfer’s elbow,” very similar to tennis elbow. I’d purchased a compression band for my arm to wear during golf rounds for the remainder of the year, and the pain went away during the offseason not to return until this summer. This time it was much worse, making the elbow tender and my forearm sore, as well as my wrist. It got so bad that it hurt to simply pick up a glass of water with my right hand. Seeing as how my company’s on-site clinic closed down, and remembering how many thousands of dollars I spent on doctor bills for my shoulder last year, I decided to treat my condition with nothing more than ibuprofen, a new compression band, and ice. Along with reducing my golfing to 2-3 rounds a week in the fall, that seemed to work well through the rest of this year. I only hope that much like 4 years ago, it gets better in the offseason and doesn’t come back next year. Unfortunately I will be one more year older.

Despite getting a very late start in the season, I ended up playing about the same amount of golf as I did last year thanks to unseasonably warm weather in the autumn. Usually when the weather gets colder my game goes to hell, but surprisingly some of my best rounds of the season came in October and November. Previously my lower temperature threshold for golfing was about 46 degrees. Since I was playing so well this fall, I was on the course several days when it was 37. And I wasn’t the only one. During the first two Saturdays in December, golf courses in the area had full parking lots. Grand Geneva even decided to open up The Brute despite it being closed due to all of the Christmas decorations spread out on the 17th fairway near the resort entrance. It’s clear that people were looking to take advantage of continuing outdoor activities as long as the weather allowed during the pandemic. 

The biggest drawback to the golf boom of 2020 was the fact that a lot of people who rarely or never golfed before started playing a lot more rounds. It’s great that more people are discovering their interest in golf, but it seems like training sessions need to be held for these people, and I don’t mean lessons. Etiquette has been on a decline already, but this year you had newbies that either don’t understand or just ignore the rules (written and unwritten) of the courses. 18 hole golf rounds in some places went from 4-4.5 hours to 5-6 hours. People seem to be louder on the course than ever. Most venues did not have rakes out for the bunkers, which makes sense to help eliminate virus transmission, but now all of the inexperienced golfers are learning that they don’t need to rake the sand. I’m not saying I’m an expert on etiquette, but I’m learning more and more by golfing with more experienced players.

One of the many things I love about golfing is spending time with my dad. He’s now in his late 70’s and can’t swing anywhere near as well as he used to. In 2019 we’d played 11 eighteen-hole rounds together and 4 nine-hole rounds, but this year he wanted to scale back. We still got in 16 rounds together, but most of them were just nine holes. During the eighteen-hole rounds, he was popping ibuprofen like candy. My brother asked me to ease back my golf rounds with dad, and it looks like I’m going to have to do just that. It is just as well though, as I’ve developed a desire to play nicer, more expensive courses when dad thinks Glen Erin is almost too fancy. 

Much like how I enjoy trying a variety of different beers, I really enjoy trying out golf courses I’ve never played, as well as often rotating the courses I play every weekend so I’m not always golfing the same places. This year I golfed at 38 different courses in the area, 14 of them being new to me. Some of the notable new courses were in the Rockford area, which I used to consider ‘out of my range’ to travel for golf, were Aldeen in Rockford, Oak Grove in Harvard, Prairie View in Byron, and I revisited Timber Pointe in Poplar Grove. I also made quite a few trips north of I-94 to try out Scenic View in Slinger, Deertrak near Oconomowoc, Naga-Waukee and Western Lakes in Pewaukee, and Fairways Of Woodside in Sussex. Back in Walworth County I finally was able to play the elusive Gary Player course at Geneva National as well as both Grand Geneva courses, and the hidden gem Nippersink near Twin Lakes. The courses I’m most looking forward to playing again next year are Naga-Waukee, Nippersink, Western Lakes, and Oak Grove.

I did not renew my membership with Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn this year, but they still got a large portion of my golf spending as I played 22 rounds there as well as a fair number of range balls. Not too surprisingly my 2nd most golfed course was just up the road at Evergreen where I played 10 rounds (I only played it once last year), and then Delbrook with 6 rounds. Still, my favorite courses are Morningstar & Broadlands in Waukesha County, Hawk’s View in Lake Geneva, and Shepherd’s Crook & Thunderhawk in Zion, IL. I love the Geneva National and Grand Geneva courses, but I only play them when their rates are lower. 

I mentioned earlier that I’ve been traveling greater distances from my home to golf. I started keeping track of miles driven to golf courses in 2017. While the number went up in 2018 (2376 miles), it went down to under 2000 miles in 2019. This year I racked up over 3700 miles. Much of that was possibly due to playing many fewer rounds at Majestic Oaks (22 this year vs 52 last year) which is only 2 miles from my house, but round trips to Slinger, Hartford, Pewaukee, Byron IL, and Zion IL really roll over the odometer.

Along with breaking from my self-imposed temperature and mileage limits for golfing, I broke through my spending limits. Many of the new courses as well as my favorite courses were outside of what my price range was just a few years ago. I often spent over $50 per round this year when previously that price would make me cringe or at least hesitate to agree to make the tee time. In 2018 I’d spent a lot of money on greens/cart fees ($2582), but I scaled that back in 2019 ($1742) by taking advantage of more discounts. This year I’d spend $2944 on greens/cart fees. While choosing more expensive courses might be a large reason for the big spending, I also take into account that I often would leave for vacation 2-3 weeks during the year but 2020 canceled that. Instead I spent many of my vacation days golfing on nice days in the fall.

I was disappointed that I once again wasn’t able to beat my best round ever carded in 2017 (+7 for 18), but I did have a notable round with my dad this year at Bass Creek where I scored +1 for 9 holes. My best score of the year was +9 at Prairie Woods, but really my best round was when I scored 82 at Western Lakes the first time I played it. I may never know how I managed it, but that day I had a lifetime-long 290 yard drive down the middle of the fairway on hole 16. One day in late October I took the afternoon off work and played two 18-hole rounds at Delbrook, scoring 85 & 81 (that 81 being my lowest calculated handicap differential of the year - which ranks your score with the difficulty of the course). Finally, one of my most memorable rounds of the year was in late November where I played the Gary Player course at Geneva National for the first time and carded an 85 from the hybrid tees. I’d never scored better than 102 at the other two GN courses.

As I’m someone that enjoys variety, I’m the same when it comes to golf balls. Much like my taste in different styles of beer, my taste in which balls to play over the years changes. In the past I’ve preferred mid-level 3-piece balls like the Srixon Q-Star Tour and the Taylormade Project(a). This year my favorite balls were the more expensive Bridgestone Tour B RXS, my old favorite Callaway Chrome-Soft, and the Taylormade TP5 & TP5x. I tried the new Bridgestone B12 and had a few very good rounds with them, but I didn’t love them. But my most pleasing golf ball find this year was how well I played with Callaway SuperHots, even in cold weather. I already bought a few more boxes of those this offseason.

I didn’t make any major equipment purchases this year besides a new rangefinder, so at least I managed to keep my hardware spending down under $500, which was mostly balls and new grips. I’d also managed to sell off some of my old equipment, which helped my budget. I’m strongly considering a new golf watch next year, and the one I’m eyeing up is $400. Along with my newfound desire to play more expensive courses, more expensive balls, and the potential need to replace a club or two out of my bag, it’s my guess that next year I’ll be breaking spending records on the sport.

You don’t need me to tell you 2020 was a garbage year. But despite not cracking a score into the 70’s and no eagles, it was a good year for me on the links. I was voted to be in charge of our company golf league which went well, my game started badly but showed consistent improvement through the season, and my shoulder has improved to the point where I no longer feel I will need surgery. I also broke personal course records at five frequently-played courses. It’s hard not to be optimistic for 2021, but really the most I can hope for is to stay healthy....and finally get a hole in one.

Photos:

My league opponent’s ball stuck in a tree, hole 9 Majestic Oaks

Looking down hole 7 Majestic Oaks during pandemic closure

1st green, Majestic Oaks (17th green in background)

4th fairway, Bass Creek

Hole 16 Towne Country Club

Hole 14 Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course

Small crane in front of #2 green, Hawk’s View

#1 green, Deertrak. Alderly Millpond dam

Practice green, Aldeen

Byron Nuclear Power Plant cooling towers in background, Prairie View

Morningstar

Hole 14 Shepherd’s Crook, looking down on landfill

#2 North green, Evergreen, Thanksgiving Day

Hole 13 Gary Player course Geneva National

Hole 10 Gary Player course Geneva National

Hole 7, Western Lakes

Sunset over Delavan Lake, Lake Lawn driving range

[kristinsimmons]

No dental insurance? Here’s what to do.

Many Americans have no dental insurance and are shocked after seeing the sticker price of a procedure.

Have you been avoiding the dentist–despite that creeping pain in your tooth–due to financial fear? Fortunately, there are two great pieces of news for you today: one, you aren’t alone! Two, you have more options than you realize.

You won’t find any shame here. You may actually be surprised to learn that 27% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. (1) In fact, a recent statistic published by the Center for Disease Control showed that 36%–over a third–of all Americans haven’t visited a dentist in the last year. (2)

My mission is to empower you to get great dental care, even with no dental insurance. And before you go paying exorbitant fees, check my guide to be sure you aren’t being overcharged or ripped off by fraudulent diagnoses.

It’s not abnormal to be concerned about the affordability of a dental plan for treatment. That’s why I put together these seven options to help you make the best, most fitting choice while receiving affordable dental treatment.

While it may be tempting to put these ideas on the backburner, skipping dental appointments due to no dental insurance will unfortunately cost a lot more money down the road. With your future in mind, read on to save in the long run.

Disclosure:

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

7 Options for Seeing a Dentist with No Dental Insurance

1. Go to a Dental School

I’ve found that many people scoff at this suggestion, and it’s not unusual to be concerned at the idea of a student poking around near your sensitive teeth.

Using a dental school may sound worrisome, but the process is subject to strict oversight and clear procedures. Licensed professors oversee each stage of dental work completed at their school, making suggestions and stepping in when needed.

Pros of choosing a dental school:

These programs often offer cutting-edge technology and clinical trials, making you likely to receive treatment you might not afford otherwise, especially with no dental insurance.

Dental schools can often fit in emergency needs beyond their typical routine care.

Some schools will actually pay you to be a guinea pig during state board exams each summer. Call your local dental college to inquire about opportunities.

The cost is fractional compared to seeing a dentist who has graduated from such a program.

Possible setbacks:

Since these dental students are learning, procedures at schools can take longer than at a traditional dentist and may require more than one visit. The average estimate is 3 times the length of a procedure at a licensed dentist’s office.

Students graduate each year, meaning your student dentist can change over time. You may need to explain your dental history and needs every few visits, and you won’t have the benefit of a doctor who’s known you long-term.

Clinical trials you choose to participate in through your local dental school do not have guaranteed results.

Check here to find a local dental school that’s accredited by the American Dental Association.

2. Find a Sliding Scale Dental Clinic

Many charities, faith-based organizations, United Way, and health centers support free or reduced dental clinics for those with no dental insurance. These will work with you to determine what you can pay based on your income, and typically feature excellent dentists donating their time.

Pros of choosing a sliding scale or free clinic:

You’re unlikely to run into unfair charges, since the rates are income-based.

Sliding scale or free clinics are available in most urban areas, so there won’t be a long commute for treatment for many people.

Since the dentists are licensed professionals, these clinics boast quicker procedures than a dental school offers.

Possible setbacks:

These programs are often more difficult to enroll into, or are pop-up style, increasing the waiting period for a dental visit.

Try one of these databases to find a sliding scale or free clinic near you! These organizations want to help you if you have a need but no dental insurance:

Dental Lifeline

Free Dental Care Clinics

America’s Dentists Care Foundation

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Create a Margarita Fund

I often tell my patients that dental insurance isn’t truly insurance, it’s just a benefit. There are so many stipulations, and your max coverage is often capped at $2,000—not a helpful number for patients needing multiple major procedures.

Something I call a “margarita fund” can help.

What’s with the whimsical name? Well, in a margarita fund, I suggest you put aside $100-$150 a month toward visiting your dentist of choice. If after a checkup, you don’t end up needing costly dental services, you can go out and buy margaritas (or a nice dinner with loved ones).

Even if you do need to use your margarita fund, you can visit the dentist more frequently with the assurance that you’ll have what you need to cover costs. For those with no dental insurance, this fund can take a bite out of unexpected expenses.

Pros of starting a Margarita Fund:

Knowing you can cover procedures results in reduced anxiety when visiting the dentist.

There’s a potential for delicious drinks or dinner!

You’ll reap long-term benefits from seeing a dentist more regularly.

You have money set aside for cover dental expenses, even with no dental insurance.

Possible setbacks:

For many tight budgets, $100-150 per month may not be doable. If you’re in that situation, I encourage you to try putting back even $10 each month if you can towards dental expenses.

To hear a more in-depth explanation, check out this video explaining dental savings strategies:

4. Double-Check Your Current Benefits

If you have Medicaid or your children have qualified for Children’s Health Insurance Program, you may qualify for more dental benefits and insurance coverage than you think. Each state has its own dental care plan under Medicaid, so click here to find your potential dental coverage.

For seniors with dental work needs, potential dental insurance plans are available under Medicare Plan C.

Doctors and researchers have referred to childhood tooth decay as the silent epidemic due to its rampancy in low-income families concerned about dental costs.

The good news is that the last 10 years have dramatically increased children’s access to dental care for both preventative care and procedures. (3)

If you or your child has Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program, look into what’s already offered. You may be pleasantly surprised.

5. Mix and Match

Recently, I received an emailed question from a reader with no dental insurance who couldn’t swing the cost of a cleaning, exam, and x-ray. If I were her dentist, I would have viewed her most recent x-rays and, based on a thorough clinical exam, made a “threat assessment” for potential decay.

I also would have taken new x-rays and not done the cleaning. This combination essentially would cost the same as the cleaning and exam combo.

There are always options and ways to personalize your dental care to your situation. By reading this article, you’re one step closer to becoming an informed patient!

Don’t be afraid to look at costs, consult your dentist, ask questions, and choose what suits your needs and best price point.

One final note: missing a cleaning pales in comparison to missing a deep cavity that will irreversibly damage the tooth.

Gingivitis, prevented by cleaning, is reversible. Deep cavities and root canals, prevented by exams and x-rays, are not. Rather than risking a larger bill later, feel free to mix and match what options work best for you.

6. CareCredit Installment Payments

Not comfortable with a clinic, a dental school, or missing a cleaning? More than 200,000 dentists now partner with CareCredit, a service that offers the option to pay for your dental work in installments. They even offer an interest-free incentive in some circumstances. Learn more and find partnering dentists on their website.

Having no dental insurance doesn’t mean you have to fork over steep, upfront cash. This is an especially good option if you are looking for something considered more in the cosmetic dentistry field, like veneers.

7. Quote a Price for Your Dental Work

Close your eyes and dream of a world where you could find prices before, and not after, you went to the dentist. What if you could even provide your budget and be matched with a dentist that matches your needs?

Thanks to Smylen, that dream is coming true. Currently located in NYC, they’re expanding to cities around the country this summer and will find the dentist you need at a price you can afford. These professionals are happy to help, even when you have no dental insurance.

As a gift from me to you, enter the coupon code “ASKTHEDENTIST” for $10 off the work you bid on when you’re matched with a dentist. If this option exists in your area, it’s a great way to be placed with a dentist that truly works with you.

Emergency Dental Work with No Dental Insurance

Every 15 seconds, someone visits the ER for tooth pain, with millions of visits each year and roughly $2 billion spent annually. (4) Unfortunately, when patients wait until this point to seek treatment, costs can skyrocket from one of the more budget-friendly options listed above.

If you’re considering a trip to the emergency room, know that a dental emergency is typically defined by: (5)

A tooth being knocked out

Bleeding that won’t stop

Severe pain

Disorientation

Difficulty breathing

Patients from lower income brackets were found to be four times more likely to visit the ER than those from higher income. (6) Clearly, cost is a factor in waiting until your issue is severe enough to seek treatment, but the worst thing is that many of these bills could have been lower.

To avoid finding yourself in this demographic of emergency visitors paying steep prices, there’s one simple tip: do not ignore tooth pain. Treating minor pain now can mean avoiding major bills later.

When you first feel pain in a tooth (or a few), it’s possible you could receive fillings to catch the problem. I repeat, do not ignore the pain. Waiting until the ache increases could mean a myriad of costs such as a root canal, an extraction, or purchasing an implant down the road.

Why Dental Insurance Isn’t Really “Insurance”

Dental insurance is really just insuring your preventative care and small repairs—the cap on what the insurance company will pay almost always precludes the cost of much-needed work.

Americans are four times less likely to have dental insurance than medical insurance. (7) Medical insurance is built to limit what the insured person will pay, while a dental insurance policy is designed to limit what the company will pay. That’s quite a difference.

I like to say that health insurance and dental insurance are opposites. The aforementioned treatment options, or offering to pay in cash for discount plans, can make up the cost difference for those with no dental insurance.

How to Avoid Costly Dental Work

Something I remind my patients regularly:

The best way to avoid expensive dental work is prevention, prevention, and prevention.

Dental care is often the most difficult healthcare to afford and access. (8)

That’s why if you’re seeing your dentist every 6 months for regular appointments, you’ll be saving thousands in the future. The upfront cost of consistent cleanings and exams is well worth the root canals, implants, and even dentures that you’d be paying for in the aftermath of avoiding care.

Dental insurance or no dental insurance, you can save money with everyday habits and regular care.

Not only is preventative care a major cost-cutter, but ignoring your oral health can have some serious consequences.

As the U.S. Surgeon General said in his definitive 2000 report: “You cannot be healthy without oral health. Oral health and general health should not be interpreted as separate entities.” (9)

Leaving your dental woes unchecked can, over time, lead to more systemic issues such as diabetes, heart issues, respiratory infections, and more.

Another method of preventative care is to treat your oral health from the inside out. Are you aware that you can actually reverse small cavities over time by remineralizing your teeth? Talk about savings! There are many foods that can reverse that decay and prevent further cavities—regularly eating those is much less expensive than expensive dental work.

Furthermore, dealing with gingivitis early (which ¾ of Americans will have in their lifetime) can turn back the clock on potential cavities and bleeding gums. As an added bonus, improving your oral hygiene will increase your overall health and wellbeing.

What can you do now? Tooth pain is manageable as you wait for relief! Just remember to start preventative care now, and you won’t find yourself here again in the future. An investment into your teeth today is a saving plan for tomorrow.

Key Takeaways: Healthy Teeth with No Dental Insurance

If you find yourself anxious at the cost of receiving dental care with no dental insurance, just remember that you have multiple options still available on a tight budget.

Dental schools, sliding scale and free clinics, margarita funds, double checking current benefits, mixing options to find your best fit, CreditCare payment plans, and naming a price with Smylen are all low-cost alternatives to going without dental health insurance.

In my opinion, any plan that makes affordable dental care possible for you is a great plan, especially with no dental insurance.

Now that you have your current crisis solved, don’t forget to avoid future problems with excellent preventative care by remineralizing your teeth and creating better oral health. As always, I recommend making the diet and health changes needed for a healthier mouth so your next visit to the dentist can be one that leaves you smiling.

Have thoughts on this article or want to know more about what to do with no dental insurance? You can ask me and my team will respond directly.

read next: Little Known Ways to Make Sure You Never Get Ripped Off at the Dentist

9 References

Dye, B., Thornton-Evans,G., Li, X., Iafolla, J. (2015) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db197.htm

(2017) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral and Dental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm

Hinton, E., Paradise, J. (2016) Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. Access to Dental Care in Medicaid: Spotlight on Nonelderly Adults. Retrieved from: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/access-to-dental-care-in-medicaid-spotlight-on-nonelderly-adults/

Wall, T., Nasseh, K., Vujicic, M. Health Policy Institute Research Brief. American Dental Association. Emergency Department Visits for Dental Conditions – A Snapshot. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/HPI/Files/HPIgraphic_0218_2.pdf?la=en

Douglass, A. B., & Douglass, J. M. (2003). Common dental emergencies. American family physician, 67(3), 511-516. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12588073

Seu, K., Hall, K., Moy, E. (2012) Emergency Department Visits for DentalRelated Conditions, 2009. Retrieved from: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb143.pdf

National Association of Dental Plans. (2017) NADP Dental Benefits Report: Enrollment Retrieved from: https://www.nadp.org/Dental_Benefits_Basics/Dental_BB_1.aspx#_ftnref1

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2011). Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2011/Improving-Access-to-Oral-Health-Care-for-Vulnerable-and-Underserved-Populations.aspx

Evans, C. A., & Kleinman, D. V. (2000). The Surgeon General’s report on America’s oral health: opportunities for the dental profession. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(12), 1721-1728. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11143736

The post No dental insurance? Here’s what to do. appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

No dental insurance? Here’s what to do. published first on https://wittooth.tumblr.com/

[dentalinfotoday]

Many Americans have no dental insurance and are shocked after seeing the sticker price of a procedure.

Have you been avoiding the dentist–despite that creeping pain in your tooth–due to financial fear? Fortunately, there are two great pieces of news for you today: one, you aren’t alone! Two, you have more options than you realize.

You won’t find any shame here. You may actually be surprised to learn that 27% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. (1) In fact, a recent statistic published by the Center for Disease Control showed that 36%–over a third–of all Americans haven’t visited a dentist in the last year. (2)

My mission is to empower you to get great dental care, even with no dental insurance. And before you go paying exorbitant fees, check my guide to be sure you aren’t being overcharged or ripped off by fraudulent diagnoses.

It’s not abnormal to be concerned about the affordability of a dental plan for treatment. That’s why I put together these seven options to help you make the best, most fitting choice while receiving affordable dental treatment.

While it may be tempting to put these ideas on the backburner, skipping dental appointments due to no dental insurance will unfortunately cost a lot more money down the road. With your future in mind, read on to save in the long run.

Disclosure:

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

7 Options for Seeing a Dentist with No Dental Insurance

1. Go to a Dental School

I’ve found that many people scoff at this suggestion, and it’s not unusual to be concerned at the idea of a student poking around near your sensitive teeth.

Using a dental school may sound worrisome, but the process is subject to strict oversight and clear procedures. Licensed professors oversee each stage of dental work completed at their school, making suggestions and stepping in when needed.

Pros of choosing a dental school:

These programs often offer cutting-edge technology and clinical trials, making you likely to receive treatment you might not afford otherwise, especially with no dental insurance.

Dental schools can often fit in emergency needs beyond their typical routine care.

Some schools will actually pay you to be a guinea pig during state board exams each summer. Call your local dental college to inquire about opportunities.

The cost is fractional compared to seeing a dentist who has graduated from such a program.

Possible setbacks:

Since these dental students are learning, procedures at schools can take longer than at a traditional dentist and may require more than one visit. The average estimate is 3 times the length of a procedure at a licensed dentist’s office.

Students graduate each year, meaning your student dentist can change over time. You may need to explain your dental history and needs every few visits, and you won’t have the benefit of a doctor who’s known you long-term.

Clinical trials you choose to participate in through your local dental school do not have guaranteed results.

Check here to find a local dental school that’s accredited by the American Dental Association.

2. Find a Sliding Scale Dental Clinic

Many charities, faith-based organizations, United Way, and health centers support free or reduced dental clinics for those with no dental insurance. These will work with you to determine what you can pay based on your income, and typically feature excellent dentists donating their time.

Pros of choosing a sliding scale or free clinic:

You’re unlikely to run into unfair charges, since the rates are income-based.

Sliding scale or free clinics are available in most urban areas, so there won’t be a long commute for treatment for many people.

Since the dentists are licensed professionals, these clinics boast quicker procedures than a dental school offers.

Possible setbacks:

These programs are often more difficult to enroll into, or are pop-up style, increasing the waiting period for a dental visit.

Try one of these databases to find a sliding scale or free clinic near you! These organizations want to help you if you have a need but no dental insurance:

Dental Lifeline

Free Dental Care Clinics

America’s Dentists Care Foundation

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Create a Margarita Fund

I often tell my patients that dental insurance isn’t truly insurance, it’s just a benefit. There are so many stipulations, and your max coverage is often capped at $2,000—not a helpful number for patients needing multiple major procedures.

Something I call a “margarita fund” can help.

What’s with the whimsical name? Well, in a margarita fund, I suggest you put aside $100-$150 a month toward visiting your dentist of choice. If after a checkup, you don’t end up needing costly dental services, you can go out and buy margaritas (or a nice dinner with loved ones).

Even if you do need to use your margarita fund, you can visit the dentist more frequently with the assurance that you’ll have what you need to cover costs. For those with no dental insurance, this fund can take a bite out of unexpected expenses.

Pros of starting a Margarita Fund:

Knowing you can cover procedures results in reduced anxiety when visiting the dentist.

There’s a potential for delicious drinks or dinner!

You’ll reap long-term benefits from seeing a dentist more regularly.

You have money set aside for cover dental expenses, even with no dental insurance.

Possible setbacks:

For many tight budgets, $100-150 per month may not be doable. If you’re in that situation, I encourage you to try putting back even $10 each month if you can towards dental expenses.

To hear a more in-depth explanation, check out this video explaining dental savings strategies:

4. Double-Check Your Current Benefits

If you have Medicaid or your children have qualified for Children’s Health Insurance Program, you may qualify for more dental benefits and insurance coverage than you think. Each state has its own dental care plan under Medicaid, so click here to find your potential dental coverage.

For seniors with dental work needs, potential dental insurance plans are available under Medicare Plan C.

Doctors and researchers have referred to childhood tooth decay as the silent epidemic due to its rampancy in low-income families concerned about dental costs.

The good news is that the last 10 years have dramatically increased children’s access to dental care for both preventative care and procedures. (3)

If you or your child has Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program, look into what’s already offered. You may be pleasantly surprised.

5. Mix and Match

Recently, I received an emailed question from a reader with no dental insurance who couldn’t swing the cost of a cleaning, exam, and x-ray. If I were her dentist, I would have viewed her most recent x-rays and, based on a thorough clinical exam, made a “threat assessment” for potential decay.

I also would have taken new x-rays and not done the cleaning. This combination essentially would cost the same as the cleaning and exam combo.

There are always options and ways to personalize your dental care to your situation. By reading this article, you’re one step closer to becoming an informed patient!

Don’t be afraid to look at costs, consult your dentist, ask questions, and choose what suits your needs and best price point.

One final note: missing a cleaning pales in comparison to missing a deep cavity that will irreversibly damage the tooth.

Gingivitis, prevented by cleaning, is reversible. Deep cavities and root canals, prevented by exams and x-rays, are not. Rather than risking a larger bill later, feel free to mix and match what options work best for you.

6. CareCredit Installment Payments

Not comfortable with a clinic, a dental school, or missing a cleaning? More than 200,000 dentists now partner with CareCredit, a service that offers the option to pay for your dental work in installments. They even offer an interest-free incentive in some circumstances. Learn more and find partnering dentists on their website.

Having no dental insurance doesn’t mean you have to fork over steep, upfront cash. This is an especially good option if you are looking for something considered more in the cosmetic dentistry field, like veneers.

7. Quote a Price for Your Dental Work

Close your eyes and dream of a world where you could find prices before, and not after, you went to the dentist. What if you could even provide your budget and be matched with a dentist that matches your needs?

Thanks to Smylen, that dream is coming true. Currently located in NYC, they’re expanding to cities around the country this summer and will find the dentist you need at a price you can afford. These professionals are happy to help, even when you have no dental insurance.

As a gift from me to you, enter the coupon code “ASKTHEDENTIST” for $10 off the work you bid on when you’re matched with a dentist. If this option exists in your area, it’s a great way to be placed with a dentist that truly works with you.

Emergency Dental Work with No Dental Insurance

Every 15 seconds, someone visits the ER for tooth pain, with millions of visits each year and roughly $2 billion spent annually. (4) Unfortunately, when patients wait until this point to seek treatment, costs can skyrocket from one of the more budget-friendly options listed above.

If you’re considering a trip to the emergency room, know that a dental emergency is typically defined by: (5)

A tooth being knocked out

Bleeding that won’t stop

Severe pain

Disorientation

Difficulty breathing

Patients from lower income brackets were found to be four times more likely to visit the ER than those from higher income. (6) Clearly, cost is a factor in waiting until your issue is severe enough to seek treatment, but the worst thing is that many of these bills could have been lower.

To avoid finding yourself in this demographic of emergency visitors paying steep prices, there’s one simple tip: do not ignore tooth pain. Treating minor pain now can mean avoiding major bills later.

When you first feel pain in a tooth (or a few), it’s possible you could receive fillings to catch the problem. I repeat, do not ignore the pain. Waiting until the ache increases could mean a myriad of costs such as a root canal, an extraction, or purchasing an implant down the road.

Why Dental Insurance Isn’t Really “Insurance”

Dental insurance is really just insuring your preventative care and small repairs—the cap on what the insurance company will pay almost always precludes the cost of much-needed work.

Americans are four times less likely to have dental insurance than medical insurance. (7) Medical insurance is built to limit what the insured person will pay, while a dental insurance policy is designed to limit what the company will pay. That’s quite a difference.

I like to say that health insurance and dental insurance are opposites. The aforementioned treatment options, or offering to pay in cash for discount plans, can make up the cost difference for those with no dental insurance.

How to Avoid Costly Dental Work

Something I remind my patients regularly:

The best way to avoid expensive dental work is prevention, prevention, and prevention.

Dental care is often the most difficult healthcare to afford and access. (8)

That’s why if you’re seeing your dentist every 6 months for regular appointments, you’ll be saving thousands in the future. The upfront cost of consistent cleanings and exams is well worth the root canals, implants, and even dentures that you’d be paying for in the aftermath of avoiding care.

Dental insurance or no dental insurance, you can save money with everyday habits and regular care.

Not only is preventative care a major cost-cutter, but ignoring your oral health can have some serious consequences.

As the U.S. Surgeon General said in his definitive 2000 report: “You cannot be healthy without oral health. Oral health and general health should not be interpreted as separate entities.” (9)

Leaving your dental woes unchecked can, over time, lead to more systemic issues such as diabetes, heart issues, respiratory infections, and more.

Another method of preventative care is to treat your oral health from the inside out. Are you aware that you can actually reverse small cavities over time by remineralizing your teeth? Talk about savings! There are many foods that can reverse that decay and prevent further cavities—regularly eating those is much less expensive than expensive dental work.

Furthermore, dealing with gingivitis early (which ¾ of Americans will have in their lifetime) can turn back the clock on potential cavities and bleeding gums. As an added bonus, improving your oral hygiene will increase your overall health and wellbeing.

What can you do now? Tooth pain is manageable as you wait for relief! Just remember to start preventative care now, and you won’t find yourself here again in the future. An investment into your teeth today is a saving plan for tomorrow.

Key Takeaways: Healthy Teeth with No Dental Insurance

If you find yourself anxious at the cost of receiving dental care with no dental insurance, just remember that you have multiple options still available on a tight budget.

Dental schools, sliding scale and free clinics, margarita funds, double checking current benefits, mixing options to find your best fit, CreditCare payment plans, and naming a price with Smylen are all low-cost alternatives to going without dental health insurance.

In my opinion, any plan that makes affordable dental care possible for you is a great plan, especially with no dental insurance.

Now that you have your current crisis solved, don’t forget to avoid future problems with excellent preventative care by remineralizing your teeth and creating better oral health. As always, I recommend making the diet and health changes needed for a healthier mouth so your next visit to the dentist can be one that leaves you smiling.

Have thoughts on this article or want to know more about what to do with no dental insurance? You can ask me and my team will respond directly.

read next: Little Known Ways to Make Sure You Never Get Ripped Off at the Dentist

9 References

Dye, B., Thornton-Evans,G., Li, X., Iafolla, J. (2015) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db197.htm

(2017) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral and Dental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm

Hinton, E., Paradise, J. (2016) Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. Access to Dental Care in Medicaid: Spotlight on Nonelderly Adults. Retrieved from: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/access-to-dental-care-in-medicaid-spotlight-on-nonelderly-adults/

Wall, T., Nasseh, K., Vujicic, M. Health Policy Institute Research Brief. American Dental Association. Emergency Department Visits for Dental Conditions – A Snapshot. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/HPI/Files/HPIgraphic_0218_2.pdf?la=en

Douglass, A. B., & Douglass, J. M. (2003). Common dental emergencies. American family physician, 67(3), 511-516. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12588073

Seu, K., Hall, K., Moy, E. (2012) Emergency Department Visits for DentalRelated Conditions, 2009. Retrieved from: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb143.pdf

National Association of Dental Plans. (2017) NADP Dental Benefits Report: Enrollment Retrieved from: https://www.nadp.org/Dental_Benefits_Basics/Dental_BB_1.aspx#_ftnref1

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2011). Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2011/Improving-Access-to-Oral-Health-Care-for-Vulnerable-and-Underserved-Populations.aspx

Evans, C. A., & Kleinman, D. V. (2000). The Surgeon General’s report on America’s oral health: opportunities for the dental profession. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(12), 1721-1728. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11143736

The post No dental insurance? Here’s what to do. appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

from Ask the Dentist https://askthedentist.com/dental-insurance/

[thevanessachronicles-blog]

It’s been awhile since I’ve sat here on this bench overlooking the beauty before me. The bench and I know each other well. On it, a dedication engraved:

“in loving memory of Kevin Mottus and Chester Sterr.”

I have no idea of who these people are and how they died but I’m appreciative of the bench dedicated and placed so for people like me.

It’s a quiet beautiful spot, overlooking the prairie with the Rocky Mountains off in the distance. The leaves have turned this rustic yellow and there’s that familiar chill in the wind…. winter is coming.I can hear the motorbikes rattle as they navigate the winding trails below. Like Mosquitos only on steroids. Dodging in and out, far away and yet it’s noise up front and centre.

There’s something new here on the cliff ledge. A cross in memory of another someone who passed away. I wonder what happened? I’ll have to ask around.

Off to my left is a trail leading to the back roads.

To the north of me is a field that once housed a military base. NAV Canada still has their tower here and is somehow connected to the random odd dome shaped buildings in the area. My friends mom said it was like a little town as she used to work here. I think it was razed in the 80’s sometime.

I come here when I’ve got a lot on my mind. When I need to stop thinking and just remember that the wind still blows. The sun still sets. It’s warmth still can be felt within the chill of the air. There is this peace in the quietness as I look at the world below. It’s a time I can lay away all the thoughts and noise of life and be still with my Creator. My Saviour.What’s On the agenda for today?

Well, my daughter today informed me that the most perfect specimen of man aka boy, finally figured out who she is. “It doesn’t matter though” she told me, “dating is for idiots. I’m 12. Even if he was interested I’d tell him to take a hike. I got better things to do. But sure don’t mind if he likes me.” You would think this would settle me but in fact it concerns me more. Boys, especially the muscly sporty type, who like girls who aren’t idiots around them and are somewhat intrigued by a girl that clearly can hold her own in skill and ability. Forget the fact that she is beautiful. I know, I know, every mother says that, but she is. And she’s funny. She’s a leader and not a follower. She’s girlie and yet very much a self proclaimed ungirlie girl aka tomboy. So hence, I exhale slightly, and cautiously give advice knowing she’s going to learn life the hard way. Just like her momma.

My only advice to her was not to fall for a pretty face and smooth talker. Challenge him. Make him show his character because too many fall for a pretty face and shallow character……but my inside self was doing the happy dance about her none interest-interest.

The sun will set and rise again and tomorrow she will be 15 and the next she will be 20. Life goes on. She will live. Meanwhile I think about investing in barrels of wine…or, maybe spiced rum!!!

I am happy to say so far this year has been a much better atmosphere for her and the kids at school. Then again she’s in sport academy. She’s not too happy they put her with the grade 8’s and with mostly boys as she doesn’t know anyone, but this will change. Being the only grade 7 student in her class puts her out of her comfort zone and forces her to face her anxiety. I think it was a good choice. Either way, she’s challenged so that’s a bonus.

Ethan has been applying for new jobs. He got the taste of money and found out that it doesn’t grow on trees so now he’s on a mission. He leaves at the end of the month for a week long hunting trip with my mom and dad, as well as my brother and his three boys.

When my ex offered him a choice between a trip to Disneyland or a trip to Mexico he picked Mexico. Then when he offered him the choice of a trip to Mexico or a hunting trip with my dad, hands down he choose the hunting trip. A freezing his ass off in the cold, sleeping in a wall tent, horse packing, mountain tundra, campfire, hard-working, hunting trip. I’m glad he’s going with my brother and his cousins as they look up to Ethan. This will give them memories that will last a lifetime.

Today was my first day back in GP. Yup that’s right. I’m travelling between two provinces again. Last year I think I’ve put on 45,000 km. My busy season has come to an end which is ok considering most of my hours required at work were spent this summer working overtime. So I have time to be with my kids and enjoy my time with them.

Sometimes I wonder what am I doing? But really when I look at it, it’s no different that a man who works a camp job two weeks in and out. Or a month in/out overseas in the oil and gas industry. Who am I to complain? I’ve been blessed. Grande Prairie has been my home since 2000, Alberta since 1994 and Fraser Lake is my childhood home town with the comfort of my home people and the beauty of British Columbia. It really is the best of both worlds.

Mahdi is heavy on my mind, as per usual.

Sometimes I think about the craziness and strange but amazing events that have unfolded over the past few years. It has been a gradual development of what started as a friendship between two people who knew that there is more to life than our current surroundings – yet on opposing spectrums for sure.

I’ve come to appreciate how much I respect and value someone who knows their priorities. Who has experienced more than their selfish desires and spoiled life styles. Someone who has seen hard times and knows the heartbreak. Sometime though, I’m not going to lie, there are moments when I think it would be so much easier if…….full in the blank.

Over the course of six years I have condensed my belongings to that fits into a Costco 8×10-ish shed plus some. I have thrown away, donated, sold more stuff than I care to remember. If I haven’t used it in a year I don’t need it.

There are moments when I find myself hesitating and I think….wait. Wait. Just hold on a second. I start getting emotionally attached to my stuff and I am fooled into thinking that my value and my worth are in my belongings….

And then I simply toss it into a pile and get rid of it and walk away. It’s just stuff.

It has taken time, a lot of time , and I’m a work in progress. God and his truth is revealed in the moments when life become like a rock tumbler, refining my stubborn character through hardship and struggle. My eyes see a little further. My heart sinks a little deeper and I move towards a closure understanding of who I am, my identity in Christ, my understanding of what fear is, what is important and what are the sacrifices I must do to strive towards them. Many a night I have sob at a closing chapter in my life. I’m sure many more lie in wait and I’m ok with that.

Necessary endings for new beginnings.

Mahdi has always been the listener. That’s how it all started, I made a joke and his english needed some refining so it was mostly him listening as I would ask question after question after question. It wasn’t the first time I had to hold a conversation with a man who didn’t know how to talk to girls.  Most men, no matter what country don’t – if they do, then they are either a salesman or homosexual.  Well, Mahdi was definitely not either.  He would prop his head up on his overextending thumb, resting on his chin. His beard would be sometimes perfectly manicured, atypical to many Middle Eastern men selling hair products in the mall or other times it lay mangled and desperate when he was at the base or out on a mission. Itchy and long. It took sometime to get used to his features as North American men don’t normally have that much facial hair.  Side note: In India I would watch him blow dry his hair and beard, he would take longer in getting ready than the time it would take for both my daughter and I put together.

The man loves make up, too.  The women over there have this insane obsession with make up and being perfect.  I understand the need to stand out and save your beauty for your husband as education and independence are not high on the availability scale.  His mom would be on the phone asking me to curl my hair because they wanted to see blonde hair curled.  A very few select times I would do it.  I would roll my eyes and act like it was the biggest pain-in-the-ass thing to do.  Who curls their hair everyday?  I’m going hiking or playing with the kids or going to the gym.  But I would do it and they would ooooh and ahhhhh.  I was so weird.

I remember one time in India, the day I had a mental break down over the heat, we were at the Akshardham temple.  Even Rose my Armenian friend was hot and she had been living in India for 5 years.  I found out when I got home that apparently it was uncharacteristically hot because people were dying from the heat – it made the news.  I was desperate to cool down so in the middle of the food court where I was sitting under the pathetic shade of a tree, I took my water bottle and dumped it over my head to wet my hair and neck.  Rose freaked out on how it was inappropriate for a girl to be so brazen.  Mahdi laughed at me and said “there’s the Canadian white chick” – with his heavy accent.

I think my greatest moment of appreciation of his culture was the moment I realized he had more of a flare for the bold home decor than I do.  I mean, one of the best things about being single and I can decorate my home as girlie as I want it to be and I have no one to say no.  I found out that you can buy this glitter paint and I was seriously considering painting a small wall in my bathroom with it.  But I restrained myself mostly because of the cost.  Only this scenario is flipped.  I find myself trying to reign him in.  One day this is the picture he had sent when I had said I’m looking to decorate my bedroom:

I burst out laughing “woooooahhhhh there, hold the phone – absolutely not. That is FAR too pink.”  He said ok maybe but it was beautiful and he thought it was women love.  Extreme girlie, bold colours which is also cultural, and excessive primping, because that’s what his mom and sister’s love.  To get ready for a wedding and dress like what we would consider a bridesmaid. Excessive frills and sequins and bold bright concentrated colours…. with ALOT of Gold.  Not diamonds.  Gold.  You should see the dresses they bought me as a gift from India.  I’m pretty sure you could light up the room as a dancing disco ball.  I’m really not sure I could ever wear it out in Canadian public, maybe some latino dance hall, but when I look at them my eyes hurt.  One I actually love, I’m just going to get it tailored to fit proper and not look like some mennonite gone in Vegas.

Everything is so over the top, and I love it.  It’s weird for sure, as most men in North America couldn’t care less about this stuff, unless it just died and was served on their plate, didn’t have too many holes in the armpit or goes BANG, they don’t care.  They just know that a woman magically shows up looking good with her own style.

“Jennel, I love that your wearing lip gloss.  You should try the stuff that goes on darker – lipstick??? and maybe a few deeper shades pink.  Not red though, my mom says when you have white skin and blonde hair it makes a woman look, you know – like a whore.”  Choke, choke….. out I spit my drink of water “MAHDI, (chuckling in shock) just STOP.  There is so much wrong with what you said.  Please don’t EVER say that to a girl.  It’s disrespectful.” – “Oh. I’m sorry.  I didn’t know.”  Still laughing.  Still choking.  I’m used to it though.  His translations are very literal, mix in some culture differences, innocent of intensions and add in North American feministic sensitivity and BOOM –

It’s freaking hilarious!!!!

The thing is, I know he’s just trying to support me in how he knows a woman in being a woman, from his mom  I get it.  As my daughter puts it, “Mom, he’s like having a gay best friend….only he’s not gay…… AND he’s a soldier” as she walks away with this confused grin paired with the I-don’t-know shrug as if to motion “it makes no sense.”

Then there were the moments that dig deep inside me.

There was one time he phoned me in the middle of my night, his voice heavy with concern. I could hear his voice annoyed and yet concerned. He would always validate his emotions with “I’m not afraid to die, everyone dies.” I would add “but not having the opportunity to live is another story.”

It was a cold night. The mission took longer than expected, they didn’t pack enough food and supplies to stay warm and dry. And then complications happened. I could hear the “complications” in the back ground. I had no experience of the reality of what was happening but I knew it was my turn to simply listen. He had asked me to pray for him.  That was the best support I could give him in the moment.  He always told me just enough for me to know the situation but never enough for me to know the situation.  He didn’t want me to worry, or he would wait till after the fact to tell me. There were a few exceptions like this night.  We had ended up losing contact, I would call back and get that automated recording only Farsi, I could only assume she was saying the number I had reached was unavailable.  I’m pretty sure that 10 minute call cost me $80. I’d pay it again.  After I had lost contact, I immediately searched the internet for news headlines in the area that were in English – yet not find any headlines on American sites. Or British. Or Indian. Or Canadian. Nothing. I was about a day later when I told him what I had found trying to find out what happened he answered with:

“NEVER trust reading the news.  It’s all propaganda and lies. It’s all a game”

You know the kind where 95% of the story is true but the 5%  that’s left out is actually major information which changes the whole story. How valuable that 5% is, and yet rarely sought after.  Seems to be a global epidemic.

So it was then that I chose to trust him and wait for the phone call when he got back and do as he had asked.  Pray and leave it in God’s hands.

Mahdi has since left the military and has supported himself with his business -a bike shop. However, the economy is down and terrorism has a way of putting a damper on life let alone the street bike business. He can not afford the extras. So every once in a while, I send his family money for his sisters English and art classes.  I stepped in for the sake of his sister’s education. His mom thanks me everyday for it. His sister has made me many pictures and drawings.  When speaking with Miriam, She and I often speak helping each other out. I would correct her English and she would help me learn some Farsi/Dari.

  How about the time when I was on the phone with him and he was massaging Fatima’s (his mom) arm because she was in pain. She looked terrible and in distress. I told him to take her to the hospital because she might be having a heart attack. Turns out she was. In the end he ended up cashing in all the family savings and gold to send her to Pakistan for surgery with his dad.

Sometimes someone comes into your world and shakes your reality. It’s impact changes you. It’s navigating how to use the life lesson’s is the tricky part.

I can not unchange me. So instead, I help.  It helps me step outside of my world, out of my rut I can find myself in, and appreciate what I have.  I slow down for my kids. I take time for myself.  I get involved.  I say my piece and I learn in the process.

I’m watching the sun finally set and my thoughts become still as I reflect. I’m thinking about my children and navigating through the chaos that is our world raising them. I think about the cost and what I’ve given up so that we make it work. I think about what others give up to make it work like my mom and dad and even my ex. He really has been supportive as an ex husband and a father to my kids, It has effected his life. I can not ignore this. To do so would be selfish.

I think about Mahdi. Whose given up everything and willing to give up more for he knows there’s life outside of his reality.  Just as he has impacted my life, I have impacted his.

And yet its complicated.  Much more complicated than this post can ever suggest. Not just geographic and culturally, but spiritually.

So I sit here and I stare off in the distance and be still. The sun sets. The world’s not so heavy. Peace settles in as I give it all to God, laying those heavy on my heart to rest for the day.  Asking for the courage and the wisdom in what to do next.

Tomorrow is another day.

Tomorrow is Another Day It's been awhile since I've sat here on this bench overlooking the beauty before me. The bench and I know each other well.

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

22 Things Every Woman Should Do Before Turning 22

New blog post! Don't ask me how it happened, but I somehow had my 22cd birthday yesterday! If someone would've told me that, at 22 years old, I would be living in Mankato, Minnesota and teaching a college class, I would've been shocked. As surprising as the last year has been, though, I've had my share of adventures. So, to celebrate on the blog, I thought I'd do something a little different this year: share a "birthday bucket list," per se, with some of my favorite moments from 22 years of lovin' and livin'.

Whether you're over 22, about to have your 22cd birthday or just want some fun ways to have a more epic life, here are 22 things you should do before you turn 22!

1. Spend at least one weekend without Internet access.

As a blogger, it can be especially challenging to unplug. Once you do it, though, you'll be amazed at how refreshed you feel...and how much more motivated you are to type up another post!

2. Have one dish that you can make without even looking at the recipe.

For me, this dish is definitely my homemade gluten free and vegan granola! I make a big batch every week, and I usually just throw whatever goodies I have on hand into the mix. It always comes out equally delicious!

3. Figure out how to read for fun on the regular.

I get it. When I was in undergrad, I rarely ever read books for fun. As a writing major, I already felt like I was reading and writing a ton! Now, as a grad student getting an MFA in Creative Nonfiction, I still feel like words rule my day...recently, though, I've become addicted to audiobooks. Now, I can enjoy my psychological thrillers without having to have time to sit still and actually read. The moral of the story? Keep experimenting with book genres and formats until you find the right mix that works for you!

4. Make a big mistake...and move past it.

So, maybe making a big mistake shouldn't be an actual goal of yours. But, in your early 20s (heck - any age, really), making mistakes is guaranteed to happen. So accept the situation, forgive yourself and learn how to move on. This is one skill you'll use time and time again.

5. Take a long walk with a good friend.

If you're struggling to balance all the demands of a well-rounded life, try combining your social life and your workout schedule. You'll be surprised how refreshing a good walk with a good friend can be - physically and emotionally.

6. Say "yes" to a work opportunity that scares the heck out of you.

Remember those pre teen growing pains? The sad part is that you don't really grow out of them. When I worked my first full-time job, I was given the chance to travel to Los Angeles and teach a class to the other Entity interns. It was a long, stressful and chaotic day...but it also showed me that I could roll with the punches a lot better than I thought!

7. Do something that makes you feel like a kid again.

Go to Disneyland. Dress up in the most ridiculous Halloween costumes you can think of and go Trick-or-Treating. Ride a seesaw while rocking a homecoming gown (been there, happily done that). The options are endless.

8. Go on at least one memorable girl's night.

My 21st birthday will always be particularly special thanks to the celebratory girl's night out my roomies and I enjoyed a month later. True Foods Kitchen + my first taste of alcohol (which is not really my thing, it turns out) + a random late-night visit to CVS. Lots of good food and even more good laughs!

9. Call a loved one who you don't talk to enough.

I'm definitely guilty of not talking to my extended family as much as I probably should...but those fifteen minutes spent catching up with grandma are always so worth it.

10. Take a short trip to Vegas!

Cliche? Yes. Still worth doing? Also yes.

11. Try a new workout with no expectations of how well you'll do it or how much you'll enjoy it.

No, I'm not saying you should sign up for a marathon and YOLO it, even if you've only run a 5K. However, there's something super rewarding about experimenting with a new workout routine without any preset beliefs at how "awesome" you'll be at it. Case in point: trying rock climbing with my dad turned out to be one of the major highlights of my summer. You'll never know what you're missing out on until you try!

12. Eat a huge, delicious, arguably unhealthy meal - and have zero guilt whatsoever.

I like eating healthy. I like how good healthy eating can make me feel. But, sometimes, a girl just needs a big, juicy burger (or whatever other comfort food is calling your name). Eat it, enjoy it and keep kicking life's booty!

13. Purchase at least one "power" outfit. 

Whether it's a tailored suit, a sweet pair of tight jeans or just your favorite comfy sweater, find an outfit that makes you feel like superwoman. Consider the day majorly slayed!

14. Watch the sunset...and I mean, really watch it.

You could say that going to college at PLNU desensitized me to sunsets. When you're used to seeing glorious colors of pink and blue and gold paint the sky every night, it can be easy to take that beauty for granted. But those nights that I sat out on the cliffs with friends, doing nothing but talking and watching the sun sink into the ocean, are some of my fondest memories.

15. Go to a social event that scares you and promise to stay at least 20 minutes.

I'm not a natural extrovert. When I'm with people I know well, I'm goofy, sassy and a little bit smart-assy (as my best friend puts it). Meeting new people, though, is challenging. So, I try to tell myself that if I go to an event and am just not feeling it, I can leave after 20 minutes. A lot of the time, though, I end up enjoying myself so much, I stay for a few hours.

16. Don't wear any makeup for at least a week.

From the time I graduated college in December of 2016 to when I started grad school on July 31, 2017, I wore makeup for two days during my college graduation in January. Sure, my self esteem gets a little boost when I cover spots or tired eyes with a swipe of foundation. But learning to accept - if not love - my own skin is even more rewarding.

17. Take yourself out on a date.

Who says you need to have a significant other to go on a date? Treat yourself to an epic me-date by going to your favorite restaurant, enjoying a long walk on a gorgeous day or even just spending the whole day relaxing with Netflix!

18. Find a way to volunteer that you actually enjoy.

It's easy to say that you don't have time to volunteer. My last semester of college, though, I spent a few Saturdays a month visiting a local assisted living home. While every visit wasn't great, there were a few conversations that still stick out in my mind. I'm going to try volunteering at an assisted living home in Mankato, this time with a writing workshop. I start two days after this post goes live, so we'll see what happens!

Like this post? Then tweet me some love by clicking here: "This #celiac is celebrating her #glutenfree b-day by sharing 22 things you should do before age 22! @collegeceliackc http://bit.ly/2eMEBsn"

19. Go on an epic road trip. 

If you've never traveled across the United States (or even just visited a few new states) in a car stuffed with a few of your favorite people, fix that error ASAP! Road trips can definitely be challenging and it's easy to get a little stir-crazy. But is there really a more "classically American" way to see the U.S. than through a car window?

20. Pay a little extra to buy that exotic food you've always wanted to try.

I'll admit it - dragonfruit actually isn't that flavorful. However, you do also eat with your eyes...and it's one cool looking fruit.

21. Stay up way too late doing, well, nothing!

Some of the other college memories that stick out the most in my mind? The nights where I went to bed waaaaay too late because I spent too much time talking about random things with my friends. The sleep deprivation was 100% worth it!

22. Dare to say "yes" to opportunities that scare you - even if you never imagined ending up where they lead.

Since I grew up as a marine brat, I'm used to not knowing where I'd be living a few years in the future. Yet, I still sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, disoriented and wondering, "How the heck did I end up living in Mankato, Minnesota?!?" And - to be brutally honest - the first month of living on my own in an entirely new state hasn't been easy.

But as I celebrate another year of adventures, surprises and delicious food, I'm grateful. I'm grateful for the chance to grow, not only as a writer and teacher, but also as a person. I'm proud of the walls I've already run into and scaled. Even more importantly, I'm excited to see what 22 years old has in store for me. Let the next chapter of Casey's adventure begin! via Blogger http://ift.tt/2xcAqB9

[kristinsimmons]

No dental insurance? Here’s what to do.

Many Americans have no dental insurance and are shocked after seeing the sticker price of a procedure.

Have you been avoiding the dentist–despite that creeping pain in your tooth–due to financial fear? Fortunately, there are two great pieces of news for you today: one, you aren’t alone! Two, you have more options than you realize.

You won’t find any shame here. You may actually be surprised to learn that 27% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. (1) In fact, a recent statistic published by the Center for Disease Control showed that 36%–over a third–of all Americans haven’t visited a dentist in the last year. (2)

My mission is to empower you to get great dental care, even with no dental insurance. And before you go paying exorbitant fees, check my guide to be sure you aren’t being overcharged or ripped off by fraudulent diagnoses.

It’s not abnormal to be concerned about the affordability of a dental plan for treatment. That’s why I put together these seven options to help you make the best, most fitting choice while receiving affordable dental treatment.

While it may be tempting to put these ideas on the backburner, skipping dental appointments due to no dental insurance will unfortunately cost a lot more money down the road. With your future in mind, read on to save in the long run.

Disclosure:

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

7 Options for Seeing a Dentist with No Dental Insurance

1. Go to a Dental School

I’ve found that many people scoff at this suggestion, and it’s not unusual to be concerned at the idea of a student poking around near your sensitive teeth.

Using a dental school may sound worrisome, but the process is subject to strict oversight and clear procedures. Licensed professors oversee each stage of dental work completed at their school, making suggestions and stepping in when needed.

Pros of choosing a dental school:

These programs often offer cutting-edge technology and clinical trials, making you likely to receive treatment you might not afford otherwise, especially with no dental insurance.

Dental schools can often fit in emergency needs beyond their typical routine care.

Some schools will actually pay you to be a guinea pig during state board exams each summer. Call your local dental college to inquire about opportunities.

The cost is fractional compared to seeing a dentist who has graduated from such a program.

Possible setbacks:

Since these dental students are learning, procedures at schools can take longer than at a traditional dentist and may require more than one visit. The average estimate is 3 times the length of a procedure at a licensed dentist’s office.

Students graduate each year, meaning your student dentist can change over time. You may need to explain your dental history and needs every few visits, and you won’t have the benefit of a doctor who’s known you long-term.

Clinical trials you choose to participate in through your local dental school do not have guaranteed results.

Check here to find a local dental school that’s accredited by the American Dental Association.

2. Find a Sliding Scale Dental Clinic

Many charities, faith-based organizations, United Way, and health centers support free or reduced dental clinics for those with no dental insurance. These will work with you to determine what you can pay based on your income, and typically feature excellent dentists donating their time.

Pros of choosing a sliding scale or free clinic:

You’re unlikely to run into unfair charges, since the rates are income-based.

Sliding scale or free clinics are available in most urban areas, so there won’t be a long commute for treatment for many people.

Since the dentists are licensed professionals, these clinics boast quicker procedures than a dental school offers.

Possible setbacks:

These programs are often more difficult to enroll into, or are pop-up style, increasing the waiting period for a dental visit.

Try one of these databases to find a sliding scale or free clinic near you! These organizations want to help you if you have a need but no dental insurance:

Dental Lifeline

Free Dental Care Clinics

America’s Dentists Care Foundation

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Create a Margarita Fund

I often tell my patients that dental insurance isn’t truly insurance, it’s just a benefit. There are so many stipulations, and your max coverage is often capped at $2,000—not a helpful number for patients needing multiple major procedures.

Something I call a “margarita fund” can help.

What’s with the whimsical name? Well, in a margarita fund, I suggest you put aside $100-$150 a month toward visiting your dentist of choice. If after a checkup, you don’t end up needing costly dental services, you can go out and buy margaritas (or a nice dinner with loved ones).

Even if you do need to use your margarita fund, you can visit the dentist more frequently with the assurance that you’ll have what you need to cover costs. For those with no dental insurance, this fund can take a bite out of unexpected expenses.

Pros of starting a Margarita Fund:

Knowing you can cover procedures results in reduced anxiety when visiting the dentist.

There’s a potential for delicious drinks or dinner!

You’ll reap long-term benefits from seeing a dentist more regularly.

You have money set aside for cover dental expenses, even with no dental insurance.

Possible setbacks:

For many tight budgets, $100-150 per month may not be doable. If you’re in that situation, I encourage you to try putting back even $10 each month if you can towards dental expenses.

To hear a more in-depth explanation, check out this video explaining dental savings strategies:

4. Double-Check Your Current Benefits

If you have Medicaid or your children have qualified for Children’s Health Insurance Program, you may qualify for more dental benefits and insurance coverage than you think. Each state has its own dental care plan under Medicaid, so click here to find your potential dental coverage.

For seniors with dental work needs, potential dental insurance plans are available under Medicare Plan C.

Doctors and researchers have referred to childhood tooth decay as the silent epidemic due to its rampancy in low-income families concerned about dental costs.

The good news is that the last 10 years have dramatically increased children’s access to dental care for both preventative care and procedures. (3)

If you or your child has Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program, look into what’s already offered. You may be pleasantly surprised.

5. Mix and Match

Recently, I received an emailed question from a reader with no dental insurance who couldn’t swing the cost of a cleaning, exam, and x-ray. If I were her dentist, I would have viewed her most recent x-rays and, based on a thorough clinical exam, made a “threat assessment” for potential decay.

I also would have taken new x-rays and not done the cleaning. This combination essentially would cost the same as the cleaning and exam combo.

There are always options and ways to personalize your dental care to your situation. By reading this article, you’re one step closer to becoming an informed patient!

Don’t be afraid to look at costs, consult your dentist, ask questions, and choose what suits your needs and best price point.

One final note: missing a cleaning pales in comparison to missing a deep cavity that will irreversibly damage the tooth.

Gingivitis, prevented by cleaning, is reversible. Deep cavities and root canals, prevented by exams and x-rays, are not. Rather than risking a larger bill later, feel free to mix and match what options work best for you.

6. CareCredit Installment Payments

Not comfortable with a clinic, a dental school, or missing a cleaning? More than 200,000 dentists now partner with CareCredit, a service that offers the option to pay for your dental work in installments. They even offer an interest-free incentive in some circumstances. Learn more and find partnering dentists on their website.

Having no dental insurance doesn’t mean you have to fork over steep, upfront cash. This is an especially good option if you are looking for something considered more in the cosmetic dentistry field, like veneers.

7. Quote a Price for Your Dental Work

Close your eyes and dream of a world where you could find prices before, and not after, you went to the dentist. What if you could even provide your budget and be matched with a dentist that matches your needs?

Thanks to Smylen, that dream is coming true. Currently located in NYC, they’re expanding to cities around the country this summer and will find the dentist you need at a price you can afford. These professionals are happy to help, even when you have no dental insurance.

As a gift from me to you, enter the coupon code “ASKTHEDENTIST” for $10 off the work you bid on when you’re matched with a dentist. If this option exists in your area, it’s a great way to be placed with a dentist that truly works with you.

Emergency Dental Work with No Dental Insurance

Every 15 seconds, someone visits the ER for tooth pain, with millions of visits each year and roughly $2 billion spent annually. (4) Unfortunately, when patients wait until this point to seek treatment, costs can skyrocket from one of the more budget-friendly options listed above.

If you’re considering a trip to the emergency room, know that a dental emergency is typically defined by: (5)

A tooth being knocked out

Bleeding that won’t stop

Severe pain

Disorientation

Difficulty breathing

Patients from lower income brackets were found to be four times more likely to visit the ER than those from higher income. (6) Clearly, cost is a factor in waiting until your issue is severe enough to seek treatment, but the worst thing is that many of these bills could have been lower.

To avoid finding yourself in this demographic of emergency visitors paying steep prices, there’s one simple tip: do not ignore tooth pain. Treating minor pain now can mean avoiding major bills later.

When you first feel pain in a tooth (or a few), it’s possible you could receive fillings to catch the problem. I repeat, do not ignore the pain. Waiting until the ache increases could mean a myriad of costs such as a root canal, an extraction, or purchasing an implant down the road.

Why Dental Insurance Isn’t Really “Insurance”

Dental insurance is really just insuring your preventative care and small repairs—the cap on what the insurance company will pay almost always precludes the cost of much-needed work.

Americans are four times less likely to have dental insurance than medical insurance. (7) Medical insurance is built to limit what the insured person will pay, while a dental insurance policy is designed to limit what the company will pay. That’s quite a difference.

I like to say that health insurance and dental insurance are opposites. The aforementioned treatment options, or offering to pay in cash for discount plans, can make up the cost difference for those with no dental insurance.

How to Avoid Costly Dental Work

Something I remind my patients regularly:

The best way to avoid expensive dental work is prevention, prevention, and prevention.

Dental care is often the most difficult healthcare to afford and access. (8)

That’s why if you’re seeing your dentist every 6 months for regular appointments, you’ll be saving thousands in the future. The upfront cost of consistent cleanings and exams is well worth the root canals, implants, and even dentures that you’d be paying for in the aftermath of avoiding care.

Dental insurance or no dental insurance, you can save money with everyday habits and regular care.

Not only is preventative care a major cost-cutter, but ignoring your oral health can have some serious consequences.

As the U.S. Surgeon General said in his definitive 2000 report: “You cannot be healthy without oral health. Oral health and general health should not be interpreted as separate entities.” (9)

Leaving your dental woes unchecked can, over time, lead to more systemic issues such as diabetes, heart issues, respiratory infections, and more.

Another method of preventative care is to treat your oral health from the inside out. Are you aware that you can actually reverse small cavities over time by remineralizing your teeth? Talk about savings! There are many foods that can reverse that decay and prevent further cavities—regularly eating those is much less expensive than expensive dental work.

Furthermore, dealing with gingivitis early (which ¾ of Americans will have in their lifetime) can turn back the clock on potential cavities and bleeding gums. As an added bonus, improving your oral hygiene will increase your overall health and wellbeing.

What can you do now? Tooth pain is manageable as you wait for relief! Just remember to start preventative care now, and you won’t find yourself here again in the future. An investment into your teeth today is a saving plan for tomorrow.

Key Takeaways: Healthy Teeth with No Dental Insurance

If you find yourself anxious at the cost of receiving dental care with no dental insurance, just remember that you have multiple options still available on a tight budget.

Dental schools, sliding scale and free clinics, margarita funds, double checking current benefits, mixing options to find your best fit, CreditCare payment plans, and naming a price with Smylen are all low-cost alternatives to going without dental health insurance.

In my opinion, any plan that makes affordable dental care possible for you is a great plan, especially with no dental insurance.

Now that you have your current crisis solved, don’t forget to avoid future problems with excellent preventative care by remineralizing your teeth and creating better oral health. As always, I recommend making the diet and health changes needed for a healthier mouth so your next visit to the dentist can be one that leaves you smiling.

Have thoughts on this article or want to know more about what to do with no dental insurance? You can ask me and my team will respond directly.

read next: Little Known Ways to Make Sure You Never Get Ripped Off at the Dentist

9 References

Dye, B., Thornton-Evans,G., Li, X., Iafolla, J. (2015) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental caries and tooth loss in adults in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db197.htm

(2017) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral and Dental Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/dental.htm

Hinton, E., Paradise, J. (2016) Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. Access to Dental Care in Medicaid: Spotlight on Nonelderly Adults. Retrieved from: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/access-to-dental-care-in-medicaid-spotlight-on-nonelderly-adults/

Wall, T., Nasseh, K., Vujicic, M. Health Policy Institute Research Brief. American Dental Association. Emergency Department Visits for Dental Conditions – A Snapshot. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/HPI/Files/HPIgraphic_0218_2.pdf?la=en

Douglass, A. B., & Douglass, J. M. (2003). Common dental emergencies. American family physician, 67(3), 511-516. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12588073

Seu, K., Hall, K., Moy, E. (2012) Emergency Department Visits for DentalRelated Conditions, 2009. Retrieved from: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb143.pdf

National Association of Dental Plans. (2017) NADP Dental Benefits Report: Enrollment Retrieved from: https://www.nadp.org/Dental_Benefits_Basics/Dental_BB_1.aspx#_ftnref1

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2011). Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2011/Improving-Access-to-Oral-Health-Care-for-Vulnerable-and-Underserved-Populations.aspx

Evans, C. A., & Kleinman, D. V. (2000). The Surgeon General’s report on America’s oral health: opportunities for the dental profession. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 131(12), 1721-1728. Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11143736

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