Using Therapy Animals to Soothe Dental Phobias and Patient Anxieties
Fear of the dentist and dental phobias are a common phenomenon, and the American Dental Association states that 22 percent of adults avoid visiting the dentist due to such anxieties. In order to address these issues, some dental professionals are exploring the implementation of pet therapy in dentist offices. Research on pet therapy indicates that it can benefit people’s mental and physical health, giving credence to the idea that therapy animals can help patients feel more at ease during appointments.
Therapy animals are specially trained to offer comfort and affection under the supervision of a handler. Dogs account for most therapy animals, although cats are used as well. Regardless of their species, therapy animals are effective at calming adults and children and can help alleviate dental fear-induced anxiety. Dentists can invite therapy animals to their practice to play with patients in the waiting room, or even to sit with them during their procedure, allowing patients to pet them and find support in their presence. Studies suggest that interacting with animals can contribute to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and promote positive social attention.
Successfully implementing pet therapy in a dentist office requires thorough planning and consideration. It’s important for practice owners to factor in their patient population, needs, and schedule flow prior to making any decisions, especially regarding frequency of therapy animal visits. For instance, a patient base that primarily comprises children or people with anxiety or dental phobias might warrant a more consistent therapy-animal presence. To optimize pet therapy’s efficacy, office staff can also take note of particular patients whom it would benefit and schedule their appointments accordingly.
Dental offices can invite therapy animals to come on a select day or week or arrange for regular visits depending on the availability of the animal and their handler. However, patients should be kept informed of therapy-animal visitation dates to avoid distressing patients with pet allergies, fear of animals, or other such circumstances.
On the subject of animals in the treatment area, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assures that there is no cause for concerns about cleanliness so long as staff follow standard sanitation procedures. It purports that animals pose no greater risk of transmitting infection than humans, citing a lack of evidence. However, dentists are advised to take the type of procedure into account before bringing a therapy animal into the treatment area. While an animal’s presence is likely fine during minimally invasive procedures such as fillings and crown placements, it might not be appropriate for extractions or other kinds of surgery.
Above all else, it is critical to ensure that both handler and animal are properly trained in pet therapy. For handlers, this means maintaining control of the animal at all times and knowing how to address any situation that might occur. Inviting a certified pet assistant is recommended, and there are also training programs that certify canines as therapy dogs.
Pet therapy’s ability to soothe patient’s dental phobias has the potential to decrease cancellations and no-shows, thereby increasing office productivity and improving oral health for those who might otherwise refuse treatment. The opportunity for people to receive comfort and support from a therapy animal might also boost public relations and attract new patients.
