Dog-assisted therapy in paediatric dentistry: physiological, psychological, and family-centred benefits in managing child dental anxiety

Dental anxiety in children is a major challenge affecting treatment quality and family well-being. This study examined the effectiveness of dog-assisted therapy (DAT) in modulating physiological indicators of dental anxiety in paediatric patients and assessed its relevance for family-centred dental care.

Sixty children aged 5 to 12 years were allocated to a therapy dog group (n = 30) or a control group receiving standard care (n = 30). Heart rate (HR) was measured before (T0), during (T1), and after treatment (T2). In the DAT group, Corah's dental anxiety scale (CS) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were additionally assessed. Parents and children provided qualitative feedback on their experiences.

In the DAT group, HR decreased significantly from 96.53 bpm (T0) to 91.53 bpm (T2) (−5.00 bpm; t(29) = 2.71, p = 0.011, d = 0.49), while HR in the control group increased slightly (+ 3.33 bpm; p = 0.028). Between-group differences were significant during treatment (p ≈ 0.015, d ≈ 0.65) and after treatment (p < 0.001, d ≈ 0.96). SpO₂ remained stable throughout. Parents frequently reported feeling calmer and perceived their children as more cooperative in the presence of the dog.

DAT was associated with lower heart rates and more efficient post-procedural physiological recovery compared to standard care. Conclusions regarding subjective anxiety should be interpreted cautiously due to the absence of a control-group CS assessment. Nevertheless, DAT may contribute to a more positive emotional climate during dental appointments, supporting both children and families in coping with dental procedures.