Angie’s List is an online community and resource that recently added dentists to the healthcare category on the site. A recent poll found that half of Angie’s List respondents fear dental visits – whether because of pain, needles, drills, or other reasons. The poll also revealed that most patients stay with their dentist, even if they are scared, just to avoid the hassle of switching dentists. Read more here: http://cbs3.com/topstories/dentist.angies.list.2.768848.html.
While no hard, reliable statistics are available on the number of people who suffer with dental phobia, you can learn more about the condition and its psychological effects here: http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/what_is_dental_phobia.html. The ADA also has some good articles about dental fear. Visit them online at www.ada.org.