Using therapy dogs to reduce anxiety in children during dental visits
Official title: Evaluating the Effects of Animal Therapy on Anxiety in Pediatric Dental Patients
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10887553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having a friendly therapy dog in the dental office can help kids feel less anxious during their dental visits, making the experience more comfortable for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,111 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DE032768-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children experiencing dental anxiety who are undergoing dental procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience dental anxiety or those who are not undergoing dental procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) using trained therapy dogs on reducing anxiety in pediatric dental patients. The study aims to evaluate whether the presence of a therapy dog can alleviate stress and improve children's perceptions during dental procedures. By employing biometric measures and self-reported assessments, the research seeks to provide a non-pharmacological approach to managing dental anxiety, which is prevalent among children. The study is based on previous data indicating a strong interest from patients and parents for canine therapy in dental settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dental experiences for children, reducing anxiety and promoting better oral health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown positive outcomes with Animal-Assisted Therapy in various medical settings, suggesting potential success in this novel application within pediatric dentistry.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacox, Laura Anne — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Jacox, Laura Anne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.