What's the word ...

... for fear of dentists? I was supposed to have a dental appointment this afternoon, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised that I just couldn't do it today. I don't like dentists at the best of times, and knowing that they were going to do a major, yet non-urgent job this afternoon made it worse. The closer it got, the more anxious and upset I felt. Not sure why that was, because this morning I was sure I was fully prepared for it (I guess that kind of says it all doesn't it?). In the end, I rescheduled - and breathed a great sigh of "self preservation" relief. I just knew today wasn't the day for it - which might be in some way related to the coughing fits I've been having all day. Oddly, they have now stopped - or they had - and I've now made an appointment with the respiratory/allergy specialist, as recommended by my doctor - and maybe she can recommend someone I can see about my dentophobia - which incidentally ties as equal 3rd on the list of common adult fears - right up there with going out alone at night, and death.