Nervous? You’re not alone

Nervous about the dentist? You aren’t alone.

Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people avoid care. It doesn’t disqualify you from getting the care you need. At Kitto Family Dental we slow down, explain everything, and pause whenever you need to.

Call to talk through it Book your first visit

Smiling older man relaxing in a dental chair

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated October 9, 2026

4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

If dental anxiety has kept you away for years, the hardest step is often picking up the phone. Once you are here, we meet you where you are. No lectures. No pressure. We build a plan from what matters most today.

Where dental anxiety usually comes from.

Dental anxiety is one of the most common health-related anxieties: surveys consistently find that roughly one in three adults feels uneasy about dental visits, and about one in ten avoids care because of it. The reasons are specific and understandable:

A bad experience in the past. Dentistry has changed. We’re gentler now, more aware of comfort, and better at numbing. Yesterday’s visit isn’t today’s.
Fear of pain. Modern dentistry is largely painless when done right. We use topical gel before injections, wait for full numbness, and use techniques that minimize discomfort.
Fear of judgment. We don’t lecture patients about missed years, diet, or hygiene. We work with where you are now.
Fear of cost. Every treatment plan comes with a written estimate before we start.
Loss of control. You have the right to say stop, slow down, or ask what we’re doing at any point in the visit.

What we actually do to make visits easier.

Tell us when you book

Mention anxiety when you schedule. The team will note it. Your doctor and hygienist know before you walk in.

Short first visit option

Sometimes the first visit is just saying hello and discussing a plan. We save the exam and cleaning for next time, when you feel ready.

Explain-then-do

We tell you what is about to happen before anything happens. No surprises. You can say stop at any moment.

Comfort tools

Blankets, neck pillows, headphones with your music, breaks whenever you need them.

Gentle numbing

Topical gel before any injection. We wait for full numbness before anything begins.

Sedation options

For longer appointments or deeper anxiety, sedation options can take the edge off. Call us to discuss what is right for your situation.

What to do before your visit.

Pick a quiet time. Early mornings tend to be calmer in the office.
Bring a friend or family member. A supportive person in the room is welcome.
Avoid caffeine beforehand. Caffeine can amplify anxiety.
Have a plan for after. Reward yourself. You showed up.
Breathe. Slow, deep breaths through the nose help regulate the nervous system during the visit.

Who you’ll see.

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Common questions

I haven’t seen a dentist in 10+ years. Will you judge me?

No. Really. Many of our long-term patients started with a “where do I even begin” visit. We meet you where you are. The first visit is usually a conversation and a gentle exam, not a full cleaning. We build from there together.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. A friend, partner, or family member is welcome to sit in the treatment room during your visit.

What sedation options do you offer?

We offer comfort support for anxious patients. Call us to discuss your specific situation and we’ll explain what is appropriate.

Can I stop a procedure if I need a break?

Yes. You are always in control. Agree on a hand signal at the start of your visit. When you raise your hand, we stop. Simple as that.

How do I know if I need sedation or just gentle technique?

We’ll talk through it. For most routine care, slow pacing, breaks, and gentle technique are enough. For longer or more complex visits, or for patients with deeper anxiety, sedation options can help.

Can I meet the team before any treatment?

Yes. Many nervous patients start with a conversation and an exam only, with no treatment that day. You can see the room, meet your dentist, and ask questions first. Call and tell us you want to start slow.

Will you tell me what you are doing as you go?

Yes, if that helps you. Some people want every step explained. Others prefer quiet and fewer details. Tell us which you prefer and we’ll follow it.

Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?

Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

The hardest part is the call.

Pick up the phone. We’ll take it from there.

Call (805) 922-4109 Request an Appointment