Impact of Therapy Dogs on Child Anxiety and Behavior During Local Anesthesia for Dental Procedures

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Dec 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether having a therapy dog present can help reduce anxiety and improve behavior in children aged 4 to 12 years who need local anesthesia for dental procedures. Many children feel very scared when getting a dental injection, and the trial aims to see if a friendly dog can make this experience less stressful for them. The researchers are looking for healthy children who are scheduled for at least two dental procedures that require local anesthesia.

To participate, children must be between 4 and 12 years old, and their parents or guardians need to give written consent. The study cannot include children who are allergic to dogs, have a fear of dogs, or have certain medical or behavioral issues. If your child is eligible and decides to join, they can expect to be in a friendly environment where a therapy dog will be present during their dental visit, which may help them feel calmer during the procedure.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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 dntal examination is classified as "Definitely Negative" (Frankl 1)