Animal Assisted Therapy in Dentistry

Exclusion Criteria

• •Patients with developmental delay/special needs, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), craniofacial defects, chronic pain conditions, and/or dental syndromes
• •No history of dental anxiety
• •Moderate to severe allergy to dogs
• •Previous traumatic experience with a dog and/or self-reported fear of dogs
• •Patients who are not receiving dental care requiring a handpiece (for ex, prophylaxis only)
• •Patients with severe, documented xerostomia
• •Patients receiving sedation (pharmacological and conscious sedation) or general anesthesia
• •Patients who will have physical restraints placed during the dental procedure
• •Patient scheduled to have sedation or general anesthesia
• •Severe acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition(s) that would interfere with the interpretation of results, and in the judgement of the Investigator, would make the subject inappropriate for entry into the trial
• •Patient with developmental/cognitive disability that cannot self-assent, comprehend and follow the requirements of the study based on research site personnel's assessment.
• •Inability or unwillingness of individual and legal guardian/representative to give written informed assent (from child) and consent (from adult).