I think 'It' scared many people away from clowns. It was a very novel and effective horror story! You're certainly not alone in that! I do think the uncanny nature of the art form is part of what made Pennywise the Dancing Clown so effective as a horror villain. If you imagine something similar, but with a dentist instead of a clown, I'm sure it would have been a scary movie, but probably wouldn't have had the same lasting impact. :)

Thanks Stef! You're very kind! <3