How Snoop the Dog Helps Patients Smile: The Healing Power of Therapy Dogs in Dentistry
If you’ve visited Dr. Deering’s office lately, chances are you’ve been greeted by a friendly face with soft fur and a wagging tail. Snoop, a 7-year-old Labrador mix from Paso Robles, has been a part of the team since he was just a pup. What started as "bring your dog to work" has evolved into something much more meaningful. Snoop has unofficially become a therapy dog, helping our patients stay calm and comfortable during their visits.
He loves playing fetch with a tennis ball, will gladly shake your hand for a treat, and ‘works’ every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. (He proudly negotiated Thursdays off.) While he doesn't have a license, what he does have is the unconditional love and natural calm that many patients need. Dr. Deering has even had patients where Snoop instinctively jumped into their lap and stayed there, offering comfort in moments of high anxiety.
But what is it about therapy dogs like Snoop that make such a difference in dental care?
Backed by Science:
The Impact of Therapy Dogs in Dental Settings
A growing body of scientific research supports what Snoop's fans have long known, therapy dogs can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and even pain in medical and dental settings.
Lower Stress and Anxiety in Children
A 2018 randomized study by Nammalwar & Rangeeth showed that children who had therapy dogs present during non-invasive dental procedures experienced lower levels of anxiety and reduced blood pressure compared to those without a canine companion.
In a 2022 Norwegian pilot study led by Gussgård et al., children aged 6–12 undergoing oral exams with a therapy dog present exhibited a 30% drop in cortisol levels and were significantly more cooperative. These studies indicate that therapy dogs aren't just cute distractions—they're powerful stress-reduction tools.
A Broader View: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Wider reviews on animal-assisted therapy (AAT) have confirmed its benefits across medical disciplines: patients experience reduced systolic blood pressure, lower heart rate, and less perceived pain. While most of these studies focus on children, the implications stretch well into adult care as well.
Dental Anxiety Doesn’t Always Start in the Chair
Dr. Deering knows that many of his adult patients experience dental anxiety that originated from experiences in the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, dental work was often rushed, impersonal, and lacked the sensitivity we aim for today. Anesthetic options were limited, and procedures were often painful. This kind of early trauma can leave lasting emotional imprints.
Today, we know better, and we do better. But the fear remains for many, and that’s where Snoop shines. A calming presence like his can help shift our patient’s emotional state from panic to peace.
Therapy Dogs Are for Everyone
Although many of the studies focus on pediatric care, the results are universally applicable. Adults facing root canals, implants, or even routine cleanings report that having Snoop nearby makes all the difference. He brings a warmth to the room that no sedation or music track can replicate. Simply petting him or watching him nap quietly on his bed brings down the emotional temperature.
Snoop is Here for You
Snoop may not have a degree in dentistry, but he’s become an essential part of the healing process at Dr. Deering’s office. Backed by science and beloved by patients, he represents a shift in how our Encinitas dental practice can and does cater to your emotional well-being.
So, if you’re someone who has postponed dental care due to anxiety, whether from childhood trauma or recent fears, know that help might just come with a wagging tail and a soft nuzzle. And don’t worry, Snoop will be in the office Monday through Wednesday, ready to shake your hand and win your heart.
Interested in meeting Snoop or learning more about anxiety-free dental care?
Contact our office at 760-753-9036 to schedule a consultation and see how we’re redefining what it means to feel at ease in the dentist’s chair. Snoop and our dental team look forward meeting you!