It’s almost the time of year for haunted house visits and horror movie marathons. Even if these spooky activities don’t scare you, going to the dentist might. In fact, an estimated 75% of Americans suffer from some degree of dental fear or anxiety. Whether you’ve had a bad experience with a dentist in the past or you’re nervous about pain, the dentist’s office is one place you don’t need to be scared of this Halloween! Keep reading to learn why there’s nothing to fear about scheduling an appointment with your dentist.

If you have dental insurance, chances are that you’ve heard the terms “in-network” and “out-of-network” before. “HMO” and “PPO” may also sound familiar. However, you might be unclear as to what exactly they mean. It’s important to understand the difference if you want to get high-quality dental care and keep your smile healthy. Read on to learn the difference between visiting an in-network dentist and an out-of-network dentist, as well as how it impacts the caliber of your care.