The Effects of a Therapy Dog Intervention on Distress in Adult Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures
Abstract
Dental anxiety is a subject of increasing interest in oral health care as it not only hinders the patients ability to receive adequate treatment, but also impedes the dentists ability to deliver quality care. While the use of dogs has demonstrated efficacy in medicine and mental healthcare, there is little research on using dogs as a therapeutic intervention for dental anxiety. This study aimed to explore the affective and physiological impact of therapy dogs on self-reported dental anxiety. Adult patients with dental anxiety were randomized into an intervention group (DOG, n=19) and standard care group (SC, n=14). DOG group participants received a ten-minute intervention with a therapy dog prior to initiation of dental treatment for two dental treatment visits. Participants in the SC group sat quietly for ten minutes prior to initiation of dental treatment for two dental treatment visits. Standard self-report measures were used to assess dental anxiety, depression, and generalized anxiety. Continuous ECG recording was completed during dental treatment to assess physiological reactivity. Nearly the entire study sample reported significant dental anxiety (91 percent) and seven met criteria for dental phobia. Participants in the DOG group reported being 'very satisfied' with the therapy dog intervention at both visits. Anxiety, Comfort, and Heart Rate Variability measurements were not statistically significant. Therapy dog intervention for adults with dental anxiety can effectively manage dental anxiety in patients with mild-moderate dental anxiety.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1222328
Entities
People
- Dominique A. D'anthony
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences