Dentist Hires Adorable Comfort Dog To Help Patients During Their Visits

Visiting the dentist can be stressful and nerve racking. However, one practice in Illinois is hoping to change that stereotype with their new employee.

Meet JoJo, the newest assistant at Pediatric Dentistry of Northbrook. JoJo is a trained comfort dog hoping to help assist those patients who fear the dentist and make their visit more enjoyable.

“A lot of the time, those patients would need nitrous oxide or other sedative to help them relax,” clinic staffer Veronica Renteria shared with The Dodo. “But when JoJo comes in with them and sits in the chair, they’re comforted. They can just sit and pet her as they’re getting their teeth cleaned. She does a great job with them.”

JoJo also helps lighten the work environment for the staff, making everyone involved pretty happy.

“When the patients are very anxious or scared, they tend to move around a lot,” Renteria said. “When JoJo is there, the appointments go much smoother and quicker for them. And the doctor gets to perform the work as it’s meant to be done.”

JoJo is naturally able to help patients calm down, especially the kids who come in for a procedure. Because of the dog’s friendly nature and natural relaxation techniques, it also cheapens the visit. The friendly K9 helps “to calm the jitters without the need for additional medication.”

Having JoJo around the office has inspired patients to come back for regular checkups, keeping their visits stress-free.

“A lot of the patients who normally were very apprehensive about even walking in the door now look forward to their appointments,” said Renteria. “The moment you walk in, you feel very relaxed. There she is, waiting for you to pet her.”

After all, there’s no prescription needed for a furry playmate!