I can't believe it! Other people are concerned about SSN proliferation! I give my SSN only to select government agencies; IRS, Dept.Revenue, VA. When some private concern asks for my 'number' I just say NO. You should see the weird looks I get. Sometimes it erupts into a shouting match, but most of the time they back down, or else I just go somewhere else. It makes things difficult, but it can be done. I have car insurance, bank account, internet service, credit cards, celphone, pager, everything I can think of.

I even got a letter from the social security administration that DID NOT HAVE MY NUMBER ON IT. They said it was to prevent identity theft! So why should I give it to a dentist?

FIGHT THE NUMBER!