Garrett was four when he went to see his new dentist. Fidgeting in the big dental chair and anxiously holding onto Pooky (his stuffed teddy bear), he cautiously asked the dentist if Pooky could go first. The dentist smiled and “examined” Pooky. After seeing it was all fine, Garrett had his own exam. Years later he still remembered this, and was never afraid of a visit to the dentist again. This may be a wonderful story, but studies show that a full 20% of school aged children are afraid of the dentist. Finding the right dentist, along with the proper approach, can help to prevent a lifelong dental anxiety that ultimately can lead to poor oral health.