Pittsburgh dentist welcomes new dental therapy puppy to ease patient anxiety
A dentist from Pittsburgh has welcomed a new addition to his practice team in a bid to soothe anxious patients. Dr Ted Steliotes has recently started bringing his puppy, Smudge, into the office to help nervous patients feel more relaxed.
Dr Steliotes, from Steliotes Dental Spa in McMurray, got his French bulldog puppy, Smudge, from the Ukraine and the playful pooch is set to undertake a year of training to become a fully-fledged therapy dog. Smudge, who got his name from his distinctive markings, has already paid some patients a visit, and his presence is already making a difference.
Amanda Mallory, a patient at the practice, suffers from dental anxiety, and making the trip to the dental surgery is a major upheaval. She often relies on sedative medication if she needs treatment, and she admits to putting off visits because she’s anxious about what might happen during the appointment. The addition of Smudge came as welcome news to Amanda who said that it was a great idea to introduce a dog, as so many people warm to pets, and feel more secure and safe when they are around. Smudge is a distraction for nervous patients, and he can also have a very calming effect.
Dr Steliotes said that it’s very well known that dogs can be incredibly helpful to humans, especially at times when they feel vulnerable or nervous. Many people feel anxious when they go to a dental office, so it makes sense to have a dog there to soothe those who feel comfortable around animals. Smudge’s training will take around a year, and he will be learning on the job.
Therapy dogs are becoming increasingly commonplace in US dental practices, and recently, a dentist in Australia added a pup to his team.
