Dog Therapy for Dental Care Among Autistic Children: A Randomized Trial.

This study looked at whether therapy dogs could help autistic children feel less anxious during dental visits. 49 children were split into two groups - one received usual calming strategies, while the other also had a therapy dog present for their first two dental appointments. During the third visit (without the dog), children who had received dog therapy showed significantly less anxiety than those who hadn't. The therapy dog helped by providing comfort, serving as a role model, and making the experience more positive.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for dental anxiety in autistic children. Forty-nine participants were randomized to either usual behavioral strategies alone or usual strategies plus therapy dog presence during the first two dental sessions. The primary outcome was anxiety levels during a third dog-free session. Results showed significantly lower anxiety in the AAT group (mean difference -1.4, 95% CI -2.43 to -0.37) during the dog-free session.

Generalized estimating equations analysis demonstrated sustained anxiety reduction over time in the experimental group compared to controls (P=0.0001). Common AAT strategies included imitating the dog, positive reinforcement with dog incentives, and therapeutic touch. The therapy dog primarily functioned as an in vivo model and positive reinforcer.

Animal-assisted therapy shows promise as an effective intervention for reducing dental anxiety in autistic children. The sustained benefits observed in the dog-free session suggest AAT could serve as a transitional tool to help children adapt to conventional dental care. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating therapy dogs as part of comprehensive anxiety management strategies for autistic patients requiring dental treatment.

Small sample size of 49 participants limits generalizability. The study does not report long-term follow-up beyond the third session. Individual variation in response to animal-assisted therapy is not detailed. The specific characteristics of participating children and inclusion criteria are not fully described in the abstract.

We aimed to assess whether the presence of a therapy dog during 2 dental care sessions could facilitate subsequent dog-free dental care for anxious autistic children who had difficulty cooperating. We conducted a parallel-arm randomized trial: control group using usual behavioral strategies only and experimental group using animal-assisted therapy (AAT) strategies combined with usual behavioral strategies. All patients had 3 dental care sessions. In the experimental group, the therapy dog was present during the first 2 dental sessions, and the third dental session was dog-free.

The primary outcome was the mean overall anxiety during the dog-free third treatment session. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were also used to account for the correlation of repeated measures. A total of 49 patients were enrolled. The most frequently usual behavioral strategies were positive reinforcement (n = 31; 64%), hypnosis (n = 28; 58%), demystification (n = 26; 52%), and in vivo modeling (n = 25; 51%).

AAT-specific strategies included imitating dog (n = 18; 69%), positive supportive reinforcement with dog incentives (n = 14; 54%), and distraction or therapeutic touch (n = 11; 42%). Mean anxiety scores were significantly lower in the experimental group during the third session (mean difference, -1.4; 95% CI, -2.43 to -0.37). GEE analysis showed a significant reduction in anxiety over time in the experimental group compared with controls (P = .0001; β = -1.03). Dog served mainly as an in vivo model and positive reinforcer.

Our findings suggest that AAT could play a key role in helping children acclimate to dental procedures, and, consequently, ease the transition back to conventional, animal-free dental treatments.