A dental team have found a novel way to ease dental anxiety; the father and daughter team from La Jolla have started bringing their dog into the surgery to calm patients before their appointments.
John and Tracey Taddy, owners of La Jolla Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, found that their ‘dental therapy dog’ helped to ease patient’s fears and make them feel relaxed before their appointment. Mona Lisa, a rescue dog, is now a firm friend of many of the patients, with many people making a fuss of her and enjoying spending time with her before they undergo treatment.
The Taddy’s say that having the dog in the surgery has helped to reduce dental anxiety and encourage patients to feel relaxed and calm before they have dental treatment. As far as they know, they are the only dental practice in the area with a ‘therapy dog’.
