I avoid the dentist for multiple reasons

[MaxChatter]

I haven't seen one in years. I have a new one picked out. But clearance from a primary physician is required. That's been an obstacle, but now with other medical problems and specialists I've leaped that barrier. But dental insurance coverage is a problem (they cover big corporate dental but little actual money), and I need a job to augment my income, working on that. But I'm also terrified of the dentist. Past dentists have been I guess frank about the need for regular care, but they lecture and lecture. I don't need to be blamed for my lack of care, aren't we past that? And other pressures on my time and life - family interferes for example. I want to do dental care in a big way, but assembling the parts is difficult. I'm almost to the point of consulting a therapist for my dental avoidance. (Therapist is free with this insurance.) I'm afraid of what the dentist will diagnose too. This whole issue is like a part of me I want to hide in the dark of night and wake up one morning with a solution. Which is a strategy that often works for problems, but the dentist is a very big and difficult fish. So - 1-job, 2-apply to dentist, 3-go. Make it happen.

 

[Hopeful1]

Heya, I'm really sorry you're going through this! I've just finally been brave enough to attend my first dental visit in nearly a decade (bar one emergency visit). It may help to advise the dentist that you are extremely nervous and that you have been lectured before. I went in with earphones in for during the examination and it really ease the ol' anxiety.
Someone in another thread mentioned checking out this link in regard to special requirements or dental assistance:

Special Needs and Dental Treatment

Where in the UK and the US can you get dental care if you, or your child, has special needs? This may include disabilities, dental phobia and agoraphobia.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

 

[MaxChatter]

@Hopeful1 Thanks for the great ideas. Still working on it.