European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry · 2026
Dog-assisted therapy in paediatric dentistry: physiological, psychological, and family-centred benefits in managing child dental anxiety.
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von Rotenhan Ana Freifrau, Weiland Sabine, Kochanowicz Aneta M, Cserjesi Renata
Аннотация
PURPOSE: 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.
METHODS: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: 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.
METHODS: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: 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.