How cool that you were able to speak to your dentist like this.  And then for her to also mention how hígh the incidences in your area are!
I am much more careful now where I mention my interests after having people poke fun at me.  I always wonder when I am with others what they think of it.  I try to get a feel and read it through their eyes.  Sadly, tere are few that I would feel comfortable opening up to.
When I am at school reading books about the Uníverse and different theories, even teachers look at me like I have two heads or something.  My goodness, it is a valid subject that I am reading and they think I am weird, what if I mentioned ufos to them?  I might have a hard time keeping my job.  At least that is a thought that goes through my mind.