You Only Get One Set Of Teeth

Fri., Feb. 11, 2000

By Paul Turner srpaulturner@gmail.com

We thought we had seen it all when it comes to Spokane residents being impressed by bargains. Wrong.

The other morning, The Slice overheard a conversation about the merits of having dental work performed in Mexico. According to this one guy, it’s a lot cheaper. And apparently there are those who make annual visits to Mexican dentists while on winter vacations.

That’s right. People who can afford to spend time at sunny resorts make a point of saving a few bucks by having their teeth worked on by south-of-the-border dentists.

At no point in this discussion did anyone say, “Well, I’m sure most Mexican dentists are fine but, since I can afford it, I’d rather deal with someone certified to practice here in the United States — arguably the most medically advanced nation in the world.”

No, there was just a lot of talk about what a bargain it is to get your teeth fixed in situations where being able to pay cash puts you first in line. One starry-eyed guy spoke of discount prices for dental work as if he were talking about a lube job or buying breakfast cereal in bulk.

He told about a woman who got six fillings for about $200.

Gee whiz.

The fact that this odd conversation took place in the waiting room at a Spokane dental office only made it all seem more amazing.

* Slice answer: “I still have and use the iron skillet which my mother, who was married in 1915, claimed she began married life with.” — Betty Zachow

* Predawn Running Partners Compatibility Quiz: 1. Do you understand the difference between 5:05 a.m. and 5:15 a.m.?

2. Are you a big baby?

3. Are you capable of not talking?

* Best dogs in the world: Saturday is “Have a Heart Adoption Day” at SpokAnimal, 710 N. Napa.

Shelter dogs will be getting bathed and groomed. (Little kids get a bang out of watching that.) Dog-training experts will be conducting clinics. And adoption counselors will be on hand to help interested families choose the right pet.

The event runs from noon until 4 p.m. Call 534-8133 for details.

* Four things women want more than some silly over-the-top Valentine’s Day gesture:

1. Listening.

2. Snide remarks about their enemies.

3. Better manners re: flatulence.

4. Half control of the remote.

* Today’s Slice question: What’s the best evidence that aliens from another galaxy do, in fact, live among us here in the Inland Northwest?

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