An increasing number of dentists nationwide have dogs in-office to reduce stress for both children and adults. The trend has raised questions about regulation, with North Carolina recently passing one of the first related rules in the nation, according to The Washington Post.
Complaints from North Carolina patients worried about sanitation and safety led state regulators to approve a rule that allows only highly trained dogs into dental exam rooms. The rule took effect in June 2021. In comparison, most states don't have regulations that would prevent a dentist from bringing in an untrained pet and deeming it a therapy dog.
Nearly a third of Americans may experience dental anxiety and fear, according to the Post. Research cited by the publication found that animals in healthcare facilities can reduce patients' perception of pain and improve moods. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities can bring a service dog into healthcare facilities. Such animals don't pose a significant risk of transmitting infection in dental settings, according to the CDC.
The North Carolina regulation allows "certified facility dogs" at dental practices, or dogs certified by a program accredited by an organization that promotes training standards for assistance dogs. The dog's handler must also be certified.
Facility dogs undergo the same training as service dogs but also learn other tasks that can help numerous people, Kyria Henry Whisenhunt, executive director and founder of Paws4people Foundation, told the Post. They're trained to work in specific professional environments and can be desensitized to dentist drill noises or practice laying their head on a patient's lap while a dentist works.
Only Virginia, New Jersey and Georgia specifically ban animals (except service animals) in dental facilities, according to an analysis for Kaiser Health News.