497 - Parental Perception and Motivation for the Use of Therapy Dogs

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to understand parental motivations for using therapy dogs at their child’s dental visit and what concerns deter them from the use of therapy dogs. The study aims are to determine the parental acceptability and demand of therapy dogs in the dental setting, determine parental motivating factors for choosing the use of a therapy dog and determine concerns deterring parents from the use of therapy dogs.

Methods: This study is a survey-based cross-sectional study, where a convenience sample of parents with children at USC Pediatric Dental Clinic and Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County were assessed on their opinions of therapy dogs in the dental office. The survey consisted of questions using ordinal and quantitative scales to assess parental opinion of therapy dogs in the dental setting.

Results: Parents were also asked to rank six statements to determine parental motivating factors for choosing a therapy dog (lower scores equate more importance). The most important factor for parents considering using a therapy dog for their child’s dental treatment was to make the visit more enjoyable. Parents were asked to rank six statements to determine their concerns deterring them from the use of a therapy dog. The most important factors for parents considering why they would not want to use a therapy dog during their child’s dental treatment were concern for cleanliness and the dog’s comfort.

Conclusion: Parental responses show acceptability and demand for therapy dogs in the dental office setting among a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population.