Using therapy dogs to help reduce anxiety in children during dental procedures

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.