12285 Scripps Poway Parkway Suite 104 Poway, CA 92064
Dental anxiety is real, and it’s more common than you might think. Studies suggest that nearly 36% of Americans experience some level of fear around dental visits, with about 12% suffering from extreme dental phobia. If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your palms sweat, you’re far from alone. What makes the difference between a dreaded appointment and a comfortable, even positive experience? The right dentist one who truly sees you, not just your teeth.
At Rolling Hills Family Dentistry, Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba have built their practice around exactly that philosophy. As a trusted dentist in Poway, they have transformed the way anxious patients experience dental care through their patient-centered approach and commitment to high-quality care.
Understanding Dental Anxiety: Why It Happens
Dental anxiety doesn’t always stem from a single bad experience. It can develop from a variety of sources:
- Fear of pain — even anticipatory pain before anything happens
- Loss of control — feeling helpless while lying back in a chair
- Embarrassment — worrying about judgment over oral health
- Sensory triggers — the sounds, smells, or sensations associated with dental equipment
- Past trauma — negative experiences from childhood dentist visits
Understanding where anxiety comes from is the first step. The next step is finding a care team that takes it seriously.
Meet Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba
Dr. Shina — A Calm Presence With a Thoughtful Touch
Dr. Shina approaches every patient interaction with one core belief: listening comes before treating. She understands that many patients walk through the door carrying years of dental-related worry, and she never rushes past that reality. Her gentle communication style, thorough explanations, and calm demeanor help patients feel grounded before any procedure even begins.
For anxious patients, Dr. Shina takes time to walk through every step of what to expect — reducing fear of the unknown, which is often the biggest driver of anxiety. Her patient-centered approach to dentistry means she personalizes care for each individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Dr. Dana Baba — Building Trust One Visit at a Time
Dr. Dana Baba brings a warm, conversational energy to every appointment. She believes that trust is built slowly and deliberately and that the dental chair should never feel like an interrogation room. Her commitment to high-quality care extends beyond clinical excellence into the emotional experience of her patients.
Dr. Dana pays close attention to non-verbal cues, check-ins mid-procedure, and “stop signals” that give patients a sense of control during treatment. That sense of agency makes an enormous difference for patients who feel vulnerable in dental settings.
How Their Approach Makes a Difference
Creating a Safe Environment
Both Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba have intentionally designed their patient experience around comfort. From the moment you enter the office, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and free of the cold clinical feel that many dental-anxious patients associate with past negative experiences.
Open, Judgment-Free Communication
One of the most common things anxious patients say is: “I was embarrassed to go back after so long.” Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba meet every patient without judgment, whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit. Their entered approach puts patient dignity at the center of every conversation.
Pacing That Respects Your Comfort
Not all patients move at the same speed, and that’s okay. Both dentists are known for adjusting the pace of treatment to what each patient can comfortably handle. For those with significant anxiety, this might mean shorter appointments, more frequent breaks, or a “get to know you” consultation before any clinical work begins.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Nothing speaks louder than the words of real patients who’ve experienced the care firsthand. Here’s what some of our patients have to say about overcoming their dental anxiety with Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michael Killian
“Dr Shina is excellent. Very professional and personable.
Also, i was thankful that there was no attempt to do more than that which was needed. I had recently brought xrays with me from another office that I was not sure about becoming a client of. Dr Shina showed me 3 unnecessary upsells listed in the “plan” i had been given and which would not have been covered by dental insurance or Medicare. Dr Shina is both good at his craft and has integrity.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Annie Mcgowan
“Love the front office staff! They are always kind and help to work with me. My hygienist Carena is fabulous and I appreciate my doctor and his skill. I have recommended this office to anyone that needs a dentist. My good friend is now a patient and loves Dr Shena.”
Why Choosing the Right Dentist Matters
Finding a dentist who genuinely understands dental anxiety is not just about comfort; it’s about your long-term oral health. Patients who avoid the dentist due to fear are at higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss, and other serious health complications. When you find a provider you trust, you’re more likely to keep appointments, stay consistent with care, and ultimately protect your overall well-being.
Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba’s commitment to high-quality care is reflected not just in their clinical skills, but in the relationships they build with each patient over time.
Your Smile Deserves a Team That Gets It
If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the care you deserve, it’s time to experience dentistry differently. Rolling Hills Family Dentistry is more than a dental clinic; it’s a place where your comfort, your concerns, and your confidence are treated as seriously as your oral health. Dr. Shina and Dr. Dana Baba are here to meet you exactly where you are, with patience, expertise, and a genuine commitment to making every visit better than the last. Don’t let fear stand between you and a healthier smile.
Schedule an Appointment and discover why so many Poway families trust Rolling Hills Family Dentistry as their home for compassionate, high-quality dental care. Your first step toward a stress-free dental experience is just one call away.
