To each his own, Ron... re tats. What happens when it goes out of fashion though? And it will...someday.
I worked with a guy several years ago who always wore long-sleeved shirts even on the hottest summer days...turns out when he was young he'd had numerous tats on his arms which he was trying to hide. Back then anyone who was covered with tats didn't go very far when trying to climb the corporate ladder. Betcha it hasn't changed much today... think about it. Walk into any office and you won't see a bunch of tattooed guys (or girls) sitting behind those big ol' desks drawing a big ol' salary!
I feel for you re the $800 dental bill. Geez, talk about inflation. Hubby has had only one crown, a few years ago...and I thought it was high then at $500!