Using therapy dogs to help reduce anxiety in children during dental procedures
Impact of Therapy Dogs on Anxiety and Behavior of Pediatric Dental Patients During Local Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if having therapy dogs present can help reduce anxiety in children aged 4 to 12 during dental procedures that involve local anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06725134 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of therapy dogs on reducing anxiety and improving behavior in children aged 4 to 12 during the administration of local anesthesia for dental procedures. The study aims to determine if the presence of a therapy dog can alleviate the emotional distress typically associated with dental injections. Children will be randomly assigned to either receive standard care or have a therapy dog present during their dental treatment. The trial focuses on healthy children scheduled for multiple dental procedures requiring local anesthesia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy children aged 4 to 12 who are scheduled for dental procedures requiring local anesthesia.
Not a fit: Children with allergies to dogs, a fear of dogs, or behavioral disorders that may interfere with the therapy dog's presence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the overall experience of dental care for pediatric patients.
How similar studies have performed: While animal-assisted therapy has been explored in various contexts, this specific application during local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry is novel and has not been previously studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age range: children aged 4- to 12-years * Health status: healthy children without significant medical conditions (ASA I or ASA II) * Dental procedure: children scheduled for at least two dental procedures requiring local anesthesia * Consent: written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian * Verbal assent from potential subjects age 4-9 years; written assent for children age 10-12 years Exclusion Criteria: * Allergies: children with known allergies to dogs or animal dander * Children with a fear or phobia of dogs * Children with a behavioral disorder which may negatively impact response to the presence of a therapy dog * Previous exposure: children who have previously undergone dental procedures with local anesthesia in the presence of a therapy dog * Medical conditions: children with medical conditions that might affect their vital signs independently of the dental procedure (e.g., heart conditions) * Parental discomfort: cases where parents are uncomfortable with the presence of a therapy dog during the procedure * Advanced behavior guidance is indicated: children whose behavior for dental examination is classified as "Definitely Negative" (Frankl 1)
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry Children's Clinic — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James R. Boynton, DDS, MS — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: James R Boynton, DDS, MS
- Email: jboynton@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-764-1523
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.