How to transform a visit to the dentist into a positive experience, overcoming the fear of the drill that terrifies so many children (and not only)? By finding a special chair assistant: a peaceful dog that rests its head on the patient’s legs and lets itself be petted. Aldo, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, helps make scared little patients smile. “The Golden Labrador reduces the stress of young patients by increasing their confidence in the dentist and strengthening their self-esteem,” explain the Parque Dentala children’s dentistry practice in Quito, Ecuador.
The dental assistance dog for support and comfort to children. His tranquility helps them to live this experience, for many traumatizing, in a pleasant moment: it makes them relax, “convincing” them to undergo visits and treatment from the dentist without throwing a tantrum. His presence brings serenity and helps them get rid of fear: many young patients have become cooperative with the dentist and have said they want to come back precisely because of Aldo’s presence. The magnificent Golden Retriever has been trained for this service and must comply with sanitation standards. Visits supported by the therapy dog take place only by appointment, so as not to subject him to stress. Aldo welcomes the patients upon their arrival and accompanies them to the armchair, where the visit becomes a moment of play.
Through social media, the clinic has recounted the work done in recent years by Aldo, who has by now become not only a “dental assistant”, but a true hero in his country: a story that reminds us once again of the value of assistance dogs and the importance of having respect and trust in animals. «The “Dr. Aldo” has changed pediatric dentistry: he brings joy to children». The Parquedental Instagram page is followed by over 14,000 followers, the one on TikTok by over 3,500. One of the videos starring Aldo was viewed 12.6 million times. “Here is Doctor Aldo, the therapy dog who changed dentistry and cheers up children”, reads a caption.
