Oh, and one last thought.
Don't put off dental x-rays, they're usually cheap ($30-60 here), they're about as much radiation as eating a bunch of bananas (I'm not even kidding), and most of what's wrong with your mouth can't be seen without them.
The American Journal of Oncology actually published in 2018 that dental x-rays do not increase risk of cancer, despite previous claims to the contrary. Between digital technology and thyroid collars on dental aprons, dental x-rays are quite safe according to the cancer folks, even though the dental folks are still a little behind on the times on this front, and the last time I checked, they were still subscribing to the lifetime cumulative radiation theory, which is what we're all taught, but whatevs.
Which means your dentist is likely more conservative about doing x-rays than the leading experts on cancer caused by ionizing radiation.
All that to say, don't worry about x-rays, even if they are aimed at your head. Catching dental problems early can save you thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Lastly, as for people who "don't trust dentists" I always wonder why they keep going to dentists they don't trust? If you don't feel totally, 100% confident that your dentist isn't a committed healthcare professional who cares more about your health and safety than their bottom line THEN DON'T GO TO THEM. Aren't dentists a dime a dozen in most places?
I don't generally trust dentists, lawyers, mechanics, used car salesmen, and I really don't trust doctors. However, I trust my dentist, my lawyers, my mechanic, the guy my family and I buy our used cars from, and only some of my doctors but that's because I'm in Canada and don't get to choose. I have A LOT of doctors. I trust one.
Basically, don't fucking let people you don't trust use *three hundred thousand RPM power tools* in your face! This is common sense people.