New Dentist Corner: Sensory Processing Disorder and Dentistry

Sensory Processing Disorder and Dentistry

By: Sarah W. Karnish, DDS, MDS

Dental visits can be stressful for any patient but can be especially stressful for children. As a pediatric dentist, I am always trying to find ways to help my little patients combat a range of emotions throughout their dental visits that can include anxiety, distress, and pain. One addition to my office that has helped children cope with their dental visits has been the introduction of our four-legged furry friend, Teddy. Teddy is a mini golden doodle who has been undergoing training to add the element of animal-assisted intervention to our dental office.

The use of animals to help combat distress, pain, or anxiety has been shown to be beneficial in many settings, including the dental office (1,2). Studies have shown the use of therapy dogs as part of animal-assisted intervention can provide not only mental health benefits, but also physical health benefits. These benefits can range from improving neurohormone levels, lowering blood pressure, and even helping decrease overall perceived physical pain (3) . The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has recognized research showing therapy dogs can enhance interactions between the patient and dental team and can help ease fear and anxiety by providing a distraction from potentially stressful situations (1) . While various studies have shown many benefits of using therapy dogs in various healthcare settings, my own personal observance and love for the use of dogs in the medical realm evolved through my cousin’s relationship with his best friend and service dog, Berlin. I got to see first-hand the love between a child and his service dog, as well as the benefits Berlin provided to my cousin,Teague, as he battled Batten Disease. Teague passed away at the age of 16, but his beloved canine companion has now become a certified therapy dog that continues to comfort patients at various facilities, including the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and the Oklahoma Stevenson Cancer Center.

Teague’s mom, Joey, stated “Berlin was the single best thing we did as parents to impact Teague’s life.” That statement spoke volumes to me, and it was through my family’s experience that the seed was planted to provide a form of animal-assisted intervention in my own dental office. In addition to opening my own pediatric dental office in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in February of 2022, I poured many extra hours into planning and training for the implementation of an on-site therapy dog service for patients. Our office design even includes Teddy’s own “home” that serves as a retreat when children may have allergies or be fearful of dogs. We follow strict protocols and policies that help maintain a safe and clean environment for our patients while continuing to let Teddy provide lots of companionship to our little patients who request his presence. Teddy has quickly become the most beloved four-legged employee at our pediatric dental office and continues to be a daily reminder that our job is to help provide not only safety, but also comfort and empathy to those kiddos who walk through our door. We strive to provide a “paw-sitive” environment and will continue to utilize various methods, including the employment of a therapy dog, to help make children’s trips to the dentist fun!

Follow our office and Teddy’s therapy dog journey through social media on Instagram and Facebook at “Shawnee Pediatric Dentistry.” We also encourage you to visit the social media page, “Berlin’s Buddies,” to learn more about a scholarship program that honors Berlin’s best friend, Teague. This program helps enrich children’s lives through a match with a service dog.

REFERENCES 1. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY. BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE FOR THE PEDIATRIC DENTAL PATIENT. THE REFERENCE MANUAL OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY. CHICAGO, ILL.: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY; 2021:306-24. AVAILABLE AT “HTTPS://WWW.AAPD.ORG/GLOBALASSETS/MEDIA/POLICIES_GUIDELINES/BP_ BEHAVGUIDE.PDF”.

2. CAJARES CM, RUTLEDGE CM, HANEY TS. ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY IN A SPECIAL NEEDS DENTAL PRACTICE: AN INTERPROFESSIONAL MODEL FOR ANXIETY REDUCTION. J OF INTELL DISABL 2016;4(1):25-8

3. CRUZ-FIERRO N, VANEGAS-FARFANO M, GONZÁLEZ-RAMÍREZ MT. DOG-ASSISTED THERAPY AND DENTAL ANXIETY: A PILOT STUDY. ANIMALS 2019;9(8):512. AVAILABLE AT: “HTTPS:// WWW.MDPI.COM/2076-2615/9/8/512”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Sarah Karnish grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University. She practiced as a registered dental hygienist for several years before returning to dental school and obtaining her doctoral degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. After dental school, Dr. Karnish (affectionately known as Dr. Sarah to her patients) completed a residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee. During her time there, Dr. Karnish served as the Chief Resident of the program and received a Master of Dental Science degree. She not only treated children at the UT pediatric dental clinic, but was also afforded the opportunity to provide care at LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Karnish remains committed to education and her community. She is an assistant clinical professor in the pediatric dentistry department at the OU Dental School, a faculty volunteer at the Good Shepherd Clinic and enjoys participating in community service events such as the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy. She and her husband, Kyle, enjoy spending time with family (including their daughter, Elizabeth, and three fur babies) traveling, and cheering on their favorite sports teams.

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