I am very afraid of the dentist.
PA-u-ra — three syllables, stress on first. 'Dentista' — den-TIS-ta.
It is absolutely fine — and helpful — to tell your dentist about dental anxiety. They can adapt their approach, go slower, and explain each step.
'Ho paura di' (I am afraid of) uses 'avere' (to have) with 'paura' (fear). 'Del dentista' = 'of the dentist' (del = di + il). This is a very common feeling and Italian dentists are accustomed to it. Saying it openly leads to better care. 'Ho molta paura' (I am very afraid) adds 'molta' (much/a lot).
Soffro di ansia dentale.
I suffer from dental anxiety.
More clinical term — useful if anxiety is severe or you have had trauma
Mi spiega cosa sta per fare?
Can you explain what you are about to do?
Asking for step-by-step explanation helps manage anxiety
Ha bisogno di un momento di pausa, me lo dica.
If you need a moment's pause, tell me.
The dentist might say this — a signal that they are patient-centred
The raised-hand signal ('alzare la mano') is a universally recognised patient signal in Italian dental studios — it means 'stop, I need a moment'. Many Italian dentists offer background music, TV screens, or even virtual reality headsets in modern practices. Sedation dentistry ('sedazione cosciente') using nitrous oxide ('gas esilarante') or IV sedation is available at specialised clinics.