Updated in August of 2026
People avoid the dentist for a mix of reasons, most often fear, cost, lack of insurance, embarrassment, and the belief that if nothing hurts, nothing is wrong. If any of these sound familiar, you are far from alone, and every one of these barriers has a real, manageable solution.
Why Are People Afraid to Go to the Dentist?
Fear is one of the most common reasons people put off dental visits. A 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that nearly 73% of adults report some level of dental fear, with over a quarter describing it as severe.
This fear usually traces back to a difficult or painful experience earlier in life. The good news is that finding a dentist you trust, one who communicates clearly and listens to your concerns, makes a real difference. Sedation options, like nitrous oxide or oral sedation, can also help you get the care you need without reliving past anxiety. Many patients start with sedation and gradually feel comfortable enough to go without it over time.
Why Do People Avoid the Dentist Because of Cost?
Dental care can feel expensive, especially if you're catching up after years away. Many people assume even a basic cleaning is out of reach, or worry that years of neglected care will mean an overwhelming bill all at once.
Payment plans solve this problem for most patients. Instead of paying a large amount up front, you can break treatment costs into smaller monthly payments over 12, 24, or 36 months. Putting off care almost always costs more in the long run, since small problems become bigger, more expensive ones the longer they go untreated.
Do I Need Dental Insurance to See a Dentist?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about dental care. You don't need insurance to get a cleaning, an exam, or treatment.
Think about it this way: your car insurance doesn't cover oil changes, and your health insurance doesn't cover a gym membership, but you still take care of both because you know it matters. Dental care works the same way. In many cases, paying out of pocket for routine visits costs about the same as, or even less than, maintaining a dental insurance plan. Don't let a lack of insurance stop you from getting care you need.
Why Do People Feel Embarrassed to Go to the Dentist?
If it's been a while since your last visit, you might worry about judgment, especially if you're dealing with visible decay or other issues you've been putting off. This feeling keeps many people away far longer than necessary.
A good dentist isn't there to judge you. Life gets busy, priorities shift, and dental care sometimes falls to the bottom of the list, that's normal and understandable. What matters most is that you're ready to move forward now. Most patients find that their teeth are in better shape than they feared, and a good dental team focuses on your health going forward, not on what happened in the past.
If Nothing Hurts, Do I Still Need to See a Dentist?
Yes. Just because your teeth and gums feel fine doesn't mean everything is healthy underneath the surface. Many dental problems, like early gum disease or small cavities, don't cause pain until they've progressed significantly.
The same is true for conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, which often show no symptoms until something serious happens. Routine checkups catch problems early, while they're still small, simple, and inexpensive to treat.
Your Friendly Glendale Dentist is Here!
If any of these reasons sound familiar, we would love to help you take the next step. Dr. Kim and our team are here to make appointments, treatment, and payment as simple and comfortable as possible.
Call us at (818) 242-3739 to schedule your visit, and let's get your smile back on track.