We all know what fear feels like. Pounding heart, sweaty hands, a nervous pit in the stomach. Many experience fear or feelings of dread when they think about going to the dentist or under-going dental procedures. It is called dentophobia or odontophobia, and it is widespread.

Nearly 73% of people have a fear of the dentist, according to a September study by New York University. Many reported having a negative experience at the dentist as a child, or they fear needles, pain, anesthesia or noise made by the machinery used in basic dental or extensive procedures.

The good news is that dentists know how to handle such fears and calm their patients.

Dr. Rachel Rosen of Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry in Twinsburg said many people fear the dentist, so she and her team first set out to fi

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