Many children feel nervous about dental visits, but a wagging tail and friendly face can transform anxiety into excitement. Dogs have a natural ability to reduce stress and create immediate comfort, making dental appointments feel less like a medical visit and more like visiting a friend. This simple addition to a pediatric dental practice can make the difference between a child who dreads the dentist and one who looks forward to their next appointment.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Meyers and CJ, the in-office dogs, create an immediate sense of calm for young patients. Drs. Tesha Waggoner and Audrey Mikkelson understand that children need more than clinical excellence to have positive dental experiences. They’ve thoughtfully designed their practice to include calming elements like Meyers, weighted blankets, and the option to watch movies during treatments. This comprehensive approach to pediatric dental care helps children build positive associations with oral health from their earliest visits.
The Calming Presence of an In-Office Dog
When a child walks into the dental office and sees Meyers, their focus shifts from worry about dental procedures to the joy of meeting a gentle, friendly dog. This distraction gives children a moment to relax and adjust to the environment before their appointment begins. The simple act of petting a dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure, creating a physiological relaxation response that makes dental treatment easier for everyone involved.
Meyers is great with children of all abilities, including those with sensory sensitivities or developmental differences. For children who might struggle with traditional comfort techniques, the presence of a calm dog offers non-verbal reassurance that’s often more effective than words. Research supports what parents and dentists observe every day: animals in healthcare settings help patients feel more at ease, communicate more openly with providers, and approach necessary medical care with less resistance.
For pediatric dentistry, where building trust is essential for long-term oral health, these benefits make a significant difference. Children who might otherwise cry or resist treatment often become cooperative when Meyers is nearby, allowing dentists to provide thorough care while keeping young patients comfortable.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences From the Start
First dental visits set the tone for a child’s lifelong relationship with oral healthcare. When children associate the dentist with positive experiences rather than fear, they’re more likely to maintain regular dental visits as they grow. Meyers plays an important role in creating these positive first impressions.
The dog serves as a comforting presence during dental cleanings, examinations, and even more involved procedures. Parents frequently report that their children ask when they can visit Meyers again, turning dental anxiety into dental enthusiasm. This shift in attitude makes future appointments smoother and helps children develop healthy oral hygiene habits at home.
For children with special needs, the consistent presence of Meyers provides predictability and routine that helps them feel secure. Combined with other accommodations like weighted blankets and low lighting, the practice creates an environment where all children can receive the dental care they need without unnecessary stress.
Supporting Different Types of Dental Visits
Whether a child needs a routine cleaning, cavity treatment, or more complex procedures, Meyers adapts to each situation. For simple checkups, children might spend time greeting Meyers in the waiting area. During treatments that require more focus, knowing Meyers is nearby still provides comfort even if the dog isn’t in the treatment room.
Some children respond particularly well to specific comfort strategies during dental work. The practice offers several options based on each child’s unique needs and preferences:
- Weighted blankets: provide gentle pressure that creates a calming, grounding sensation for anxious children or those with sensory processing needs.
- Low lighting: reduces visual stimulation and helps children who become overwhelmed by bright clinical environments feel more relaxed.
- Movie watching: gives children something engaging to focus on during longer procedures, making time pass more quickly.
- Meyers’ presence: offers emotional support and companionship throughout the visit, helping children feel they have a friend with them.
These tools work together to create an environment where children can receive quality dental care without the trauma that sometimes accompanies pediatric dental visits. Each family can discuss which accommodations would work best for their child during consultation.
Experience Compassionate Pediatric Dentistry at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry
Drs. Waggoner and Mikkelson bring both professional training and personal understanding to pediatric dentistry. As moms themselves, they recognize how important it is for children to feel safe and comfortable during dental visits. Dr. Waggoner completed her pediatric specialty training at Oregon Health & Science University in 2018, while Dr. Mikkelson earned her Master of Science in Dentistry and pediatric specialty training at the University of Washington in 2021.
The practice serves families throughout the Beaverton and Portland area, accepting Delta Dental Premier and most major insurance plans. Whether your child needs a routine checkup or has specific dental concerns, Meyers and the entire team at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry are ready to welcome them. Contact Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and let your child experience the difference a truly child-centered dental practice can make.
