SANTA CLARITA, CA – October 20, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

Smyle Dental Newhall, a general and cosmetic dental practice rated 4.9 stars across 109 verified Google reviews, is expanding how it accommodates fearful patients in response to new research showing dental fear affects nearly three-quarters of American adults.

The study, published in the September 2025 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, surveyed a census-matched sample of 1,003 U.S. adults. Researchers at the NYU College of Dentistry found that 72.6 percent reported some degree of fear about going to the dentist, with 45.8 percent describing it as moderate and 26.8 percent describing it as severe. Earlier estimates had placed the figure closer to a quarter of the population. The work was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health.

The finding matters clinically because avoidance compounds. Patients who postpone routine cleanings and exams tend to return only once something hurts, by which point the necessary treatment is longer, more invasive and more expensive — which in turn reinforces the fear that caused the delay. The NYU team described dental fear as so common that it goes largely unremarked by dentists and patients alike.

“Most people who tell me they hate the dentist are not exaggerating, and almost none of them have ever been asked about it directly,” said David Zaghi, D.D.S., lead dentist at Smyle Dental Newhall. “Our approach starts with asking, then adjusting the visit to whatever that particular person can tolerate.”

The research also found reason for optimism. Among adults reporting dental fear, 71.2 percent said they would be interested in a short course of treatment to address it — evidence that avoidance reflects a lack of accommodation rather than an unwillingness to seek care. Those who declined cited doubts about whether such treatment would work, satisfaction with existing coping strategies and concern about the time involved.

At the Newhall Avenue office, accommodations include longer appointment windows for first visits so patients are not rushed, explaining each step before it happens rather than during, agreeing on a stop signal before treatment begins and sequencing longer treatment plans into shorter appointments. Patients who have avoided care for years receive a written treatment plan with costs itemized before any work is scheduled, addressing the financial uncertainty that frequently accompanies dental fear. The practice reports that its review feedback from patients who identify themselves as long-term avoiders is a meaningful share of its 4.9-star rating.

Cost remains a parallel barrier. American Dental Association research has identified inability to pay for care as a leading reason adults do not intend to visit a dentist within the next 12 months, alongside lack of perceived need, transportation problems, time constraints and anxiety. Smyle Dental Newhall works with a range of insurance carriers and offers several payment options, and staff review estimated out-of-pocket costs with patients before treatment.

Zaghi is a graduate of the USC School of Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society. The Newhall office serves Santa Clarita, including the Newhall, Valencia, Saugus and Canyon Country communities.

“Nobody should have to be brave to get their teeth cleaned,” Zaghi said. “We are committed to making the first appointment low-stakes enough that a patient is willing to come back for a second one.”

Santa Clarita Valley residents who have delayed dental care because of anxiety, cost or a difficult past experience can review what a first visit involves and schedule a consultation with Dr. David Zaghi and the Smyle Dental Newhall team at https://smyledentist.com/santa-clarita/.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal health decisions.

About Smyle Dental Newhall

Smyle Dental Newhall is a general and cosmetic dental practice serving Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Valley, California. Led by David Zaghi, D.D.S., a graduate of the USC School of Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society, the practice offers preventive care, restorative dentistry, emergency treatment, implants, Invisalign and cosmetic services. The office is located at 23754 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321, and can be reached at (661) 255-9200. https://smyledentist.com

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For more information about Smyle Dental , contact the company here:

Smyle Dental Newhall
Dr. David Zaghi
+16612559200
smyledentalgroup@gmail.com
23754 Newhall Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321, United States

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