One member of the staff of a dental facility in Zanesville, Ohio, makes clients look forward to their appointments. Dwight, a 1-year-old Labradoodle, works at Sulens Dental Studio alongside his mother, a dental hygienist, a couple of days a week. The calm dog greets nervous patients and helps them forget about their worries.
Dwight began his therapy dog training at the age of 12 weeks and continues to train with trainers twice a week at his puppy school and the dentist’s office. His mother, on the other hand, felt he’d be great for the position from the time he was brought home.
Dwight’s trainer, Jensen McVey, told The Dodo, “Dwight was certainly born to be a therapy dog.” “He’s a sweetheart who has never met a stranger! “When the situation calls for it, Dwight can become enthusiastic and play, but usually he is a peaceful cuddle bug,” he continued. “Dwight is a lot of fun to work with, and every single one of my staff enjoys seeing him come in.”
According to one study, up to 36% of adults are afraid of their teeth. Dwight, on the other hand, is doing everything he can to assist folks to change their minds about going to the dentist. Therapy dogs have been shown to improve people’s mood and anxiety, as well as their perception of pain.
Dwight’s duties begin the moment the patient enters the room. With a wide smile and a wagging tail, he dashes to the door to greet them. Dwight is pleased to offer extra assistance if the patient requires it throughout their cleaning or procedure.
“He helps to make coming in a pleasurable experience for fearful kids and provides overall comfort for people in the workplace,” McVey added. “He’s also trained to lay down and administer gentle pressure to fearful patients, or to gently place his paws up so people may pet him and take their minds off the fact that they’re at the dentist.”
Dwight is rewarded for his efforts with snacks and a weekly BarkBox. The dog, on the other hand, is happiest when he can spend time with his dental family, making people feel better every day.
