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For many people, going to the dentist is an unpleasant but manageable experience. For others, just the thought of going to the dentist causes severe anxiety, leading them to delay or avoid dental treatment.

The New York State Dental Association believes patient education is key to understanding the connection between oral health and overall health. The NYSDA seeks to educate not only dentists, but the patients their members serve, as well.

Among emergency room visits from 2005 to 2016 that could have been avoided by access to quality care, an estimated 11% were for dental issues, according to a February study from the Public Policy Institute of California. The problems can be particularly stark among seniors, who make up a disproportionately large share of the dental uninsured and are at greater risk for a range of health problems.