Like others have said, you're not alone!

A few years after I graduated college I went to the dentist for the first time in about 8 years. I did not have dental insurance and I had been taking horrible care of my teeth so I was quite scared of both the appointment and the bill that would follow. The appointment was nerve-wracking and there was QUITE some sticker shock when I saw how much the work I needed done would cost. But like you said, you don't have to get all the work done at once. I got mine done gradually and it was much easier in terms of my anxiety and my finances.

Just be up front with them about your fears. It's a huge hurdle to jump, but once you do it gets so much easier. I am now back to seeing the dentist 2x a year and the appointments are nowhere near as difficult as before. Of course, it also helps that I am now taking better care of my teeth.

You can do this!