Benefits of Dogs in Dental Offices, Meet Zygo- The Office Pup
METRO DETROIT— Dr. Bruce Smoler, owner of Smoler Smiles Dental Office in Westland, MI was looking for ways to help ease anxiety and stress for patients during dental appointments.
A few months ago, the team at Smoler Smiles decided to add an office pup to help patients that suffer from dental anxiety, stress about dental procedures, and just another friendly experience while visiting Smoler Smiles for their routine appointments.
Meet Zygo, the delightful four-legged dynamo that has brought a whole new level of joy and pawsitivity to our dental office! She was born with a fur coat full of enthusiasm and a tail that wags at the speed of productivity, Zygo is not your average team member – she’s our official Office Pup Extraordinaire. Read more about Zygo on our Meet the Team page on our website, /meet-the-team/.
By introducing Zygo into their dental offices they can already see the potential benefits, contributing to a positive and comfortable environment for both their patients and staff. Since the lovable furball joined our team, she has boosted morale, while having an expertise in spreading smiles and creating a stress-free work environment.
Patients welcome her to sit upon their lap while having their dental appointments to provide a welcome distraction during their time in the office. Dr. Smoler and team believe that adding Zygo to the team was a great decision and the benefits will be long-lived and a great addition to the extensive services Smoler Smiles already has to offer. Other benefits and advantage to having Zygo for the office team and patient are:
Stress Reduction: Dogs are known for their calming and therapeutic effects. Having a dog in the dental office can help reduce anxiety and stress levels among patients, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
Distraction for Patients: Many people experience dental anxiety or fear. Having a friendly dog around can serve as a pleasant distraction for patients, taking their minds off the dental procedures and promoting a positive experience.
Improved Mood and Morale: Dogs are known to boost mood and overall morale. Their presence can create a more cheerful and friendly atmosphere in the dental office, benefiting both patients and staff.
Enhanced Patient Experience: A dog-friendly environment can make the overall dental experience more enjoyable for patients. This positive experience may encourage patients to return for regular check-ups and treatments.
Therapeutic Benefits: Interaction with dogs has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormone levels. These benefits can contribute to a more comfortable and pleasant dental visit.
Bonding Opportunities: Dogs can provide opportunities for social interaction and bonding. Patients may feel more at ease when they can connect with the dental office staff over a shared love for the dog, creating a stronger patient-provider relationship.
Child-Friendly Environment: For pediatric ages in the dental office, having a dog can make the environment more child-friendly. Children may feel more at ease and less anxious about dental visits when there’s a friendly dog present.
Positive Public Relations: A dog-friendly dental office can be a unique selling point and may attract positive attention from the community. It can set the office apart from others and contribute to positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Team Building and Stress Relief for Staff: Interacting with a dog during breaks can provide stress relief for dental office staff. It can also create a sense of companionship among team members, contributing to a positive work environment0.
While the benefits are apparent, we know it’s important to consider factors for patients who have allergies and fears about dogs (animals). We implement a dog-friendly policy with careful consideration of these factors and ensuring that it aligns with the preferences and comfort for our patients.
We welcome you to stop in and say “HI” to Zygo or meet her at your next appointment. We can’t wait for you to meet her!
