It's not in the right geography, but i was in a similar boat. Avoid those chain places like Aspen. They even made fun of me and talked me into things i didn't need. I see Dr Anna Ravin in Manchester and her staff is calm, non-judgmental and kind. I was upfront, said i was anxious and i've had good experiences since.

Dr. Michael Shlafstein, Vernon Family Dentists. My parents moved to FL 6 years ago, and they still schedule their routine dental checkups around when they are up here visiting, because they just can't give him up. I personally drive an hour from Essex...

I went 7 years with no dental checkups even though I had horrible teeth (genetics...), and then finally bit the bullet and scheduled. I needed a crown, about 13 fillings across all 4 corners of my mouth, and my wisdom teeth removed. It took about a year of visits to get through everything, but get through it we did, and I've had my first positive "your teeth look great!" comments from the hygienists that I've ever gotten in my life after going through the whole process.

It wasn't cheap, but I was so happy to never get a whiff of the judgment I always had when I was growing up and the dentist/hygienist would accuse me of not taking care of my teeth. :( Those experiences were so negative I stopped going, which is if course exactly not the right thing when it comes to teeth...

Anyway, I see Dr. Mike now and I don't know what I'll do when he retires! He has started seeing my husband as well, who had also gone ~4 years with no dental checkups, and got him through the wisdom teeth removal process as well.

Recommend. And good luck! I am sure there are other similarly-minded dentists in our state and you can find one a little closer to home.

Painless Dentistry, Formerly Painful Dentistry

I can't recommend Dr. Daniel Minchek highly enough. He is in Norwalk right off exit 16. You won't be sorry.

I have horrible teeth (thanks, mom) and a lot of dental trauma and anxiety. I’ve been seeing Dr. Tagliarini at Comprehensive Dental Health in New Haven for at least 10 years, and would recommend to anyone with dental anxiety. He is very gentle and understanding. Crystal and Des are the people to work with at the front desk. I do think he could’ve been more proactive with preventative care. I have had a few failed root canals and I don’t know if it’s just my crappy teeth or if maybe I should’ve gone to a specialist. But overall I’ve had positive experiences. The office recently merged with a larger group and I can’t speak to the quality of the other dentists, and I see some negative reviews online, so ymmv.

Dr McGrath appilonia dental in Middletown. After I had my second baby my teeth took a hit and he fixed me all up with no pain or judgement!!

Vaughn Family Dental in Trumbull. See Dr. Vaughn himself.

Everyone at D'Andrea and Pantera in Hamden is fantastic. I went to the dentist after about 5 years because I was traumatized by past experiences. I had 9 cavities, one that possibly needed a root canal, but they were able to avoid that.

Obviously going to the dentist 4 times in a month to have so many cavities filled isn't FUN, but they made it bearable and never made me feel bad for my situation or for my anxiety. They were very patient, understanding, and professional. By my last appointment I didn't even cry!

Branford dental.

Blueback dental is exceptional, but it’s in west Hartford.

Dr David Lamberti, Chapel St in New Haven. Been going to him since I was about 6 (I'm 40s now). Patient and kind and has a lovely staff.

Dr. Renzi at Dental Associates in Newtown. Hygienists & assistants are great about folks with fears & anxieties about dental care, Dr. Renzi himself is a chill dude who'll gladly explain what he's doing & why.

It's a long drive for OP but I can confirm both Drs Shlafstein And Russo at Vernon Family Dentists are excellent!

I love Dr. Voukides at Middletown Family Dental. Her and the dental hygienist Alicia are the best dental providers I've ever seen. Alicia is so sweet and really gentle while being so thorough. Dr. Voukides is just insanely nice and always explains what's happening while she's in your mouth. Plus she gives you time to answer her if she asks you a question lol.

I highly recommend reaching out to University Dentists in Farmington. It is run by the Uconn School of Dentistry and one of their Dr's will develop a plan of action for you are won't hesitate to refer you to a specialist. My one piece of advise is SEE A SPECIALIST FOR ANY NON GENERAL WORK! Root canal? Endodontist. Gum disease? Periodontist. Wisdom teeth removal? Oral surgeon. Uconn has all of those specialists in house and take a ton of dental plans. Good luck you'll do great!

Dr. Chimmiri with Meriden Dental Group. He is very calm, reassuring, and non-judgmental. I had extreme anxiety about dental work and was embarrassed about the condition of my teeth. Not once has he or the staff made me feel bad or belittle me. I recommend him to everyone when I can because he rebuilt my confidence in going to the dentist's office.