Dental anxiety affects a significant number of patients, making even routine visits challenging for many. To help ease fear and create a welcoming environment, some dental clinicsincluding those committed to compassionate, patient-centered care like McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, Ontariohave started incorporating therapy dogs into their practice. These gentle animals provide comfort, distraction, and emotional support that can make dental visits less stressful and more positive.
In this blog, well explore the benefits of therapy dogs in dental settings, how they support anxious patients, and how McLevin Dental integrates this approach into our anxiety-friendly care.
What Are Therapy Dogs?
Therapy dogs are specially trained animals that provide emotional comfort and support in healthcare and community settings. Unlike service dogs, which assist individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs:
Visit hospitals, schools, and clinics to provide calm and companionship
Help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness
Are trained to behave calmly around medical equipment and people of all ages
In dental clinics, therapy dogs can offer a calming presence that helps patients manage fear and feel more at ease.
How Therapy Dogs Help in the Dental Chair
Dental anxiety triggers the bodys stress response, which can lead to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and muscle tension. Therapy dogs can:
Lower stress hormones by providing soothing tactile contact
Distract patients from dental instruments and procedures
Encourage relaxation through gentle interaction
Build trust and positive associations with the dental environment
Many patients find that spending time with a therapy dog before or during treatment reduces their anxiety and improves their overall experience.
Who Benefits Most from Therapy Dogs?
Therapy dogs are particularly helpful for:
Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia
Children who feel scared or overwhelmed
Patients with special healthcare needs who may have difficulty coping with sensory stimuli
Older adults or those with cognitive challenges who benefit from calming companionship
Anyone needing extra emotional support during their dental visit
At McLevin Dental, we tailor our approach to meet each patients unique comfort needs, and therapy dogs are one of many tools we use to create a supportive atmosphere.
What to Expect When Visiting a Clinic With Therapy Dogs
If youre new to therapy dogs in a dental setting, heres what you might experience:
A friendly, well-trained dog may be present in the waiting area or treatment room
Youll have the opportunity to pet, cuddle, or simply observe the dog at your own comfort level
The therapy dog may stay nearby during procedures if allowed and safe
Interactions are always voluntaryyou never have to engage if you prefer not to
These animals are carefully selected and monitored to ensure safety and comfort for all patients.
Safety and Hygiene Considerations
Dental clinics follow strict infection control protocols, and therapy dogs are no exception. At McLevin Dental, we ensure:
Therapy dogs are well-groomed and healthy
Dogs are trained to stay calm and avoid interfering with dental instruments
Regular cleaning of treatment areas and hand hygiene before and after interactions
Clear policies to respect patients with allergies or fear of dogs
Patient safety and comfort are always our highest priorities.
The Growing Popularity of Therapy Dogs in Healthcare
Studies show therapy animals reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve patient satisfaction across many healthcare settings. As dental anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to care, more practices are adopting therapy dog programs to improve patient outcomes and experiences.
How McLevin Dental Supports Your Comfort
While we currently offer a range of sedation and calming techniques, were exploring additional ways to integrate therapy dogs to better support our anxious patients. Our commitment is to:
Listen to patient feedback about comfort needs
Continuously adopt evidence-based methods to reduce fear
Create a welcoming, compassionate environment for all
Your comfort is our priorityand sometimes, that means a wagging tail and a warm nuzzle.