A Kansas dentist is fighting to continue using a therapy dog in his practice, FOX4 reported April 16.
Kory Kirkegaard, DMD, is the owner of The Art of Dentistry in Overland Park, Kan. The practice has a 4-year-old certified therapy dog, named Ivy, to help patients with anxiety.
The Kansas Board of Dentistry sent a letter to Dr. Kirkegaard April 25 stating that the practice must stop bringing the dog to the office immediately, and threatening to revoke Dr. Kirkegaard’s license. The board said they are concerned with safety, animal behavior and hygiene.
Dr. Kirkegaard told Fox 4 that he has spent about a year pleading his case, arguing that Ivy is hypoallergenic and highly trained. He has referred to the dog as an “asset” to the practice and its patients.
Lane Hemsley, the dental board’s executive director, reportedly refused to answer questions from FOX4, and did not clarify which provisions of the Kansas Dental Practices Act governs therapy animals.
Dr. Kirkegaard told FOX4 that he won’t rule out hiring an attorney to advocate for the therapy dog.
