Furry friend in the dentist chair: study tests if therapy dogs calm kids during needles
NCT ID NCT06725134
First seen Nov 19, 2025 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 31 times
Summary
This study tests whether having a trained therapy dog present during a child's dental numbing injection can reduce anxiety and improve behavior. Twenty-five children aged 4 to 12 will be randomly assigned to either have a therapy dog with them or receive standard care. Researchers will measure behavior and heart rate, and ask children and parents about their experience.
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Michigan School of Dentistry Children's Clinic
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
therapy dog presence
What this could lead to
If it works, this could give dentists a simple, drug-free way to help anxious children feel calmer during procedures.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study (25 children) and the effect may not be strong or apply to all kids. Some children may be allergic or afraid of dogs.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.