California Dentist’s Therapy Dog Helps Calm Anxious Patients One Visit at a Time

In Lafayette, California, you can visit therapy dogs at the dentist. Any tension about patients’ appointments all floats away once they catch sight of little Pearl. The five-year-old pup loves her job–and the patients love her.

Therapy Dog at the Dentist Helps Relax Patients

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Dr. Rachel Forer, who runs Little Cloud Pediatric Dentistry in Lafayette, decided to take an unorthodox approach to her patients’ anxiety by keeping an in-office therapy dog.

"Going to the dentist can be very visceral, a real fight-or-flight reaction," she said. "It's made a big difference for a lot of patients and parents.”

The dog, Pearl, a fluffy, white, hypoallergenic Samoyed, even sits patiently in patients’ laps while they undergo treatment.  

A 13-year-old patient remained calm and relaxed as three teeth were pulled. 

"It feels good," the girl said after the procedure was over. 

"There were no tears, no nothing, and she has a dog laying on her the whole time," her mom said. 

Therapy Dogs Reduce Need for Medicinal Alternatives

Danielle Ellington, an associate professor at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, co-authored a study examining the impact of therapy dogs in dental offices.

"Getting laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, we noticed that those numbers went down because really what the doctor is treating in those situations was anxiety," the researcher said.

She found that dogs help reduce a patient's blood pressure and heart rate. Dentists also say that their patients are calmer, and their procedures go more smoothly. 

It is wonderful that Dr. Rachel is so considerate and thoughtful in her approach to treating patients. She knows that there are many ways to treat anxiety. 

Patients are reassured not only by Pearl’s presence but by knowing they have a very kind doctor taking care of them. She has their best interests and comfort at heart. 

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.