To represent our course tree structure in our Linq Dataclasses we have 2 columns that could potentially be the same as the PK. My problem is that if I want to Insert a new record and populate 2 other columns with the PK that was generated there is no way I can get the next identity and stop conflict with other administrators who might be doing the same insert at the same time. Case: A Leaf node has right_id and left_id = itself (prereq_id) **dbo.pre_req:** prereq_id left_id right_id op_id course_id is_head is_coreq is_enforced parent_course_id and I basically want to do this: pre_req rec = new pre_req { left_id = prereq_id, right_id = prereq_id, op_id = 3, course_id = query.course_id, is_head = true, is_coreq = false, parent_course_id = curCourse.course_id }; db.courses.InsertOnSubmit(rec); try { db.SubmitChanges(); } Any way to solve my dilemma? Thanks!