What I don't get, is why dental insurance is seperate from health insurance. Dentists are doctors, are they not? They are a specialist for the teeth just like a Pediatrist is a specialist for the feet.
No, not exactly. Dentists do specialize in teeth, but they are not Physicians. Dentists would be considered along the same lines as Optomotrists. Physicians are medical doctors trained in all general aspects of medicine, and some go on to become specialists, i.e. Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Neurologists. That's why medical insurance is always separate from Dental or Vision insurance.
Re: how to manage the time and pain, I've been there many times! I find it most helpful to bring my CD player and listen to my favorite CDs to help block out the sound of drilling, etc. It really helps the time go faster.