You might feel like you’re the only one who feels scared or nervous about going to the dentist, but the truth is that dental anxiety is a real concern for many Australians. At our Mirrabooka dental clinic, we understand how fear of the unknown, being scared of needles or past dental experiences can keep you from prioritising your oral health.
That’s why we do whatever we can to alleviate your concerns, and one of the best tools we have to do that is our trained therapy dog, Benji.
Meet Benji, Our Trained Therapy Dog
Benji is our adorable therapy dog whose sole job is to reduce your dental anxiety. When you visit our clinic, he’ll sit on your lap, cuddling and snuggling your fears away.
Some of the ways Benji can help nervous patients include the following:
- Feeling safe and secure — Because Benji is calm and relaxed, he can help you feel safe during your dental treatment. For patients who avoid the dentist because they’re afraid of giving up control, Benji may be able to help.
- Shifting your thoughts — Instead of focusing on your dental procedure, Benji’s soft fur and steady breathing could make you think about something other than your anxiety. And when you think positive thoughts, you may realise your trip to the dentist is designed to improve your oral health.
- Increasing hormones — Spending time with Benji can trigger your “feel-good” hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin. Benji can make you feel happy and content during your time with us, and who doesn’t love petting a soft, furry dog?
- Lowering stress — When you’re holding Benji, you’re likely to experience lower blood pressure and a decreased heart rate. When you feel less stressed, your dental visit doesn’t feel quite so daunting. You can receive the dental treatment you need and get back to your busy day.
Ready to Get the Care You Deserve?
If you live in Mirrabooka or the surrounding area, we’d love to introduce you to Benji and the rest of our caring dental team. At Western Smiles Dental Care, we’re committed to helping every patient achieve healthy teeth and gums.
To book a visit at our dental clinic, feel free to call us on (08) 9349 3688.