Date

Dear Public Service Director,

Does the thought of going to the dentist make you smile? Didn’t think so. Maybe you’re like an estimated 35 million Americans so fearful of the dentist that they avoid or postpone dental visits.

Why is it that - even with new pain-reducing products and friendlier drills - millions of otherwise intelligent, rational people will not go to the dentist except in the case of very extreme pain? They have dental phobia.

A phobia is different from simple fear or anxiety; a person does virtually everything possible to avoid the threatening situation. This is called avoidance behavior. An estimated 11.5 million people suffer from this condition. Another 2.4 million suffer from panic disorders, often the result of avoidance behavior.

But help can bring a smile again.

As a service to your community, the Psychologists in Independent Practice would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on this topic. He/She would be able to discuss how to determine the difference between fear and phobia and ways that a psychologist can help people overcome dental phobia or any other phobic situation.

Following is a public service announcement. Please run it through the end of January. Your listeners can call toll-free 1-877-603-4000 for a free brochure called "Straight Talk - Choosing a Psychologist."

Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through life’s difficulties. APA’s Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

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PSA
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Does the thought of going to the dentist make you smile? Didn’t think so.