A bite out of anxiety: Evaluation of animal-assisted activity on anxiety in children attending a pediatric dental outpatient unit.

BACKGROUND

Anxiety control has been one of the key factors that shows that success of a pediatric dental practice. Animal- Aassisted therapy has shown to have many health benefits, which has brought the animal species closer to our homes with an establishment of a relationship.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare a Anxiety levels of patients scheduled to visit a Private private Ppediatric dDental Hhealth- Ccare Ffacility in Chennai and Ccompare the levels when exposed to animal-assisted activityAAA at the waiting area and in the oOperating area. This study being a first of its kind in the Dental dental Environment environment consisted of 20 children (9 Malemales, 11 Femalefemales), aged 4--11 years, attending a private dental care facility in Chennai.

RESULTS

Results showed that a 15- min exposure in the waiting area has reduced the level of anxiety and also showed no increase in anxiety among the subjectsparticipants.

CONCLUSION

Thus, Pet pet Ttherapy has shown to be a promising method of Anxiety anxiety control, a key to a successful dental practice.