The number of adults seeking regular dental care, like cleanings and X-rays, is on the decline.

Going to the dentist is probably not your favorite activity, but it's an important part of maintaining overall health.

So why are so many people avoiding the dentist? There are several reasons, but one of the biggest is fear.

Today, we talk with dental professionals about what the industry is doing to lessen anxiety and make better oral care more accessible for all.

Looking for a way to pinpoint your fears and start a conversation with your dentist? Check out the Dental Fears patient form here.

GUESTS:
Kelly Robledo: Moderator on the Dental Fear Central Forum
Lisa Perry Swain: Executive Director for the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach
State Representative Gary Turco: Executive Director of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative

The number of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db435.htm#:~:text=Key%20findings-,Data%20from%20the%20National%20Health%20Interview%20Survey,(69.3%25%20to%2065.8%25).">adults seeking regular dental care, like cleanings and X-rays, is on the decline.</a>
Going to the dentist is probably not your favorite activity, but it's an important part of maintaining overall health.
So why are so many people avoiding the dentist? There are several reasons, but&nbsp;<a href="https://ctdhp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dental-Fear-and-Anxiety-Checklist.pdf">one of the biggest is fear.</a>
Today, we talk with dental professionals about what the industry is doing to lessen anxiety and make better oral care more accessible for all.
Looking for a way to pinpoint your fears and start a conversation with your dentist? Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/downloads/">Dental Fears patient form here.</a>
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>Kelly Robledo:&nbsp;Moderator on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/">Dental Fear Central Forum</a></li>
<li>Lisa Perry Swain:&nbsp;Executive Director for the&nbsp;<a href="https://cfdo.org/">Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach</a></li>
<li>State Representative Gary Turco:&nbsp;Executive Director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctoralhealth.org/">Connecticut Oral Health Initiative</a></li>
</ul>

Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Where We Live is a call-in talk show about who we are in Connecticut and our place in the world.

Where We Live

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.