Furry friend at the dentist: could a therapy dog calm nervous kids?
NCT ID NCT06725134
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether having a trained therapy dog present during a child's dental numbing injection can reduce anxiety and distress. About 25 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 to see if the dog helps.
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 provide a simple, drug-free way to help children feel calmer during dental procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small study (25 children) and results may not apply to all kids or dental settings. The effect may be small or not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 25 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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4 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age range: children aged 4- to 12-years * Health status: healthy children without significant medical conditions (ASA I or ASA II) * Dental procedure: children scheduled for at least two dental procedures requiring local anesthesia * Consent: written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian * Verbal assent from potential subjects age 4-9 years; written assent for children age 10-12 years Exclusion Criteria: * Allergies: children with known allergies to dogs or animal dander * Children with a fear or phobia of dogs * Children with a behavioral disorder which may negatively impact response to the presence of a therapy dog * Previous exposure: children who have previously undergone dental procedures with local anesthesia in the presence of a therapy dog * Medical conditions: children with medical conditions that might affect their vital signs independently of the dental procedure (e.g., heart conditions) * Parental discomfort: cases where parents are uncomfortable with the presence of a therapy dog during the procedure * Advanced behavior guidance is indicated: children whose behavior for dental examination is classified as "Definitely Negative" (Frankl 1)
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan School of Dentistry Children's Clinic
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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