Here's what you do if you don't want amalgam; insist that another material be used. There are very few dentists under the age of 50 that won't be happy to accomidate you. Why? Because it is more profitable. Simple as that. You say your insurance won't pay for it. Well, I say if you are so concerned about your health, then pay for it. Maybe that means you won't be able to buy that big screen tv, go on that vacation, or have that new car, but you will have your health, right. Too many on here want to blame others and not take any responsibility for their own actions. You think the dentist is the enemy and you treat them as such because by golly the internet told you they were wrong, so they must be. If you would just listen to your dentist; most want what is best for you; alot of times they want it more than you do. I'm not saying all dentists are great and want this, but most do. If you treat the dentist hostily, and act like you know better, you'll get exactly what you deserve and be quickly shown the door.