Dog dental assistant helps calm patients
A dental surgery in the US has employed a special helper to comfort those who experience anxiety during visits to the dentist – a 6-year-old golden retriever named JoJo!
JoJo, a trained comfort dog, was a first responder to survivors of the horrific Sandy Hook massacre in 2012. Today, she works every week at the Paediatric Dentistry of Northbrook in Illinois, calming children during their dental appointments.
According to her handler, Lynne Ryan, “JoJo had to be trained to get used to all the different noises in a dental office, like the sound of the drill and the suction,” she explains. “But now, she gets up on the chair and reclines on children’s laps.”
Clearly the beloved pooch has made a big difference to anxious children. Staff member Veronica Renteria says JoJo helps the children take their minds off the situation and makes the appointment run faster and more effectively. “When Jo Jo comes in with them and sits in the chair, they’re comforted. They can just sit and pet her as they’re getting their teeth cleaned. She’s does a great job with them,” she told The Dodo. “She loves coming in. She’s very well trained and knows what she’s doing. We all benefit from her so much.”
Image: Paediatric Dentistry of Northbrook / Facebook
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