DENTAL PHOBIA (Reading Comprehension)

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DENTAL PHOBIA
WIDELY 
Including a lot of different places, people, subjects, etc.
AVOID 
To keep away from.
DISTRESS 
An extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
ACCOMMODATE 
To fit in with the wishes or needs of.
AWAKE 
Not asleep.
MILD 
Not severe, serious, or harsh.
DENTAL PHOBIA
Oral health is widely regarded as one of the most important aspects of our overall health. However, perhaps just as prevalent is the fear of the dentist. This common fear can stem from a number of emotions related to worries over your oral health, as well as potential bad experiences you may have had at the dentist during your youth.
But for some people, such fears can come in the form of dentophobia (also called odontophobia). Like other phobias, this is defined as an extreme or irrational fear to objects, situations, or people — in this case, dentophobia is the extreme fear of going to the dentist.
Fear x Phobia
Fears and phobias are often discussed interchangeably, but these two states of mind have some marked differences between them. A fear can be a strong dislike that may cause avoidance.
On the other hand, a phobia is a much stronger form of fear. Phobias are considered a type of anxiety disorder, and are known to cause extreme distress and avoidance — so much so, that these interfere with your daily life.
When applied to the context of going to the dentist, being fearful could mean you dislike going and put off your appointments until necessary. You may dislike the feel and the sounds of the instruments used during cleanings and other procedures, but you put up with them anyway. In comparison, dentophobia can present such a severe fear that you avoid the dentist altogether.
TREATMENTS
Mild fears over seeing the dentist are best remedied by going to the dentist instead of avoiding it. In the case of significant dental work, you may ask to be sedated so you’re not awake during the procedure. While not common practice in all offices, you may be able to find a dentist who can accommodate your sedation wishes.
However, if you have a true phobia, the act of going to the dentist is much easier said than done. Like other phobias, dentophobia may be tied to an anxiety disorder, which may require a combination of therapies and medications.
QUESTIONS
What is odontophobia? 
What is the difference between a fear and a phobia? 
Are you afraid of going to the dentist? Why?
Did you have any bad experiences with dentists? 
How can people overcome odontophobia? 
What advices can you give to someone who suffers from dental phobia?
How do you like your dentist?