I can think of 100 things I would rather do than go to the dentist. Mowing the world’s largest yard with a push mower. Filing my taxes. Cleaning a litter box. My list goes on.
But for some, going to the dentist is more than just an inconvenience – it is rooted in fear. So one Minnesota dental office came up with a unique solution to handle those with fears, and it only costs them a few bags of treats and a daily walk or two.
Dental hygienist April Kline, left, with patient Maya Norman and Kline’s dog, Ollie. The English goldendoodle helps to relax patients. Photo courtesy of Kline
Their secret weapon? An 80-pound English goldendoodle named Ollie. Debbie Zaiger, a 61-year-old resident of downtown Minneapolis, has long harbored a deep-seated fear of visiting the dentist. She’s the type to delay appointments for as long as possible.
My level of anxiety at the dentist is really high — so much so that I need laughing gas just to get my teeth cleaned,” she said.
But last month, Zaiger encountered Ollie. At her recent appointment at J & D Dental, Zaiger found herself reclining in the dentist’s chair, her tension evident. However, her anxiety soon disappeared when Olli bounded into the room and settled onto her lap.
Zaiger was astonished. “While my teeth were being cleaned, I was petting Ollie and rubbing his head and ears, and he fell asleep on top of me,” she shared. “He’s such a good boy, and he was really calming. I’m surprised at how much he helped.”
Ollie belongs to April Kline, one of the hygienists at the dental practice. Kline had been bringing him to work sporadically since last year, recognizing the potential for his soothing presence to benefit nervous patients. Research supports the notion that interaction with dogs can alleviate stress in humans, and the benefits extend to the animals as well.
A patient relaxes with Ollie during a recent visit at J & D Dental in Minneapolis. Photo courtesy of Kline
Approximately 36 percent of Americans experience dentophobia, with 12 percent grappling with an extreme fear, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Kline, familiar with the signs of dental anxiety, recounted how Ollie initially became a fixture at the office. Her family adopted Ollie during the pandemic and trained him to respond to basic commands.
During a family dental visit, Ollie’s calming effect on her anxious husband sparked an idea. Why not bring in Ollie to help with patients who struggle with dental anxiety? Kline reasoned that since it had helped her husband, having a comfort dog with them during procedures might help reduce the anxiety a patient felt.
Dentist Jennifer Herbert embraced the concept wholeheartedly. She acknowledged the challenges of the dental profession, noting that Ollie’s presence had significantly improved the atmosphere. “Dentistry isn’t an easy profession — nobody tells us that coming here is the best day of their life,” Herbert remarked.
Having Ollie here has been a game changer. He brightens everyone’s day and he’s become a huge hit.”
For Maya Norman, a 42-year-old patient, the experience was transformative. “I don’t have any [dental] fears or dislikes, but I did enjoy his fluffy presence on my lap,” she said. “An hour with Ollie and super clean teeth? Yes, please.” As Ollie’s popularity soared, Kline began scheduling appointments to include cuddle time with him.
Despite his newfound celebrity, Ollie maintains a laid-back demeanor, offering patients a sense of comfort akin to “wearing a warm weighted blanket.” Ollie’s presence in the dental office also raises questions about health and safety. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence suggesting that animals pose a significant risk of transmitting infection in these settings.
For Sue Heger, a 57-year-old patient with a traumatic dental history, Ollie represents a beacon of hope. “For 30 minutes, I petted Ollie while he rested his upper body on me, and I’ve never been more relaxed,” she shared. “Even though I’m still a little nervous about going to the dentist, it’s not nearly as bad now with Ollie.”
As Ollie’s schedule fills up, Kline anticipates the need to accommodate more appointments with him. Despite the increased demand, Ollie remains eager to fulfill his role as a source of comfort for dental patients. Watch below for a look at a busy day of work for Ollie.
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Source: Washington Post
