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Animal Assisted Therapy for Anxiety in Pediatric Dentistry (AAT Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Laura A Jacox, DMD, PhD, MS

Research Sponsored by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

4-8 years of age

Be younger than 18 years old

Must not have

Patients <4yo and >8yo

Non-English speakers

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up during dental radiograph simulation, approximately 2- 5 minutes.

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial found that having a therapy dog present during a pediatric dental exam, cleaning, and simulated radiographs led to lower perceptions of stress.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for children aged 4-8 who speak English and haven't had a dental exam or cleaning in the last 3 months. They should be healthy, able to follow study procedures, and have their guardian's consent. Kids with severe health issues, allergies to dogs or oral hygiene products, fear of dogs, or those not willing to participate are excluded.

What is being tested?

The study tests how therapy dogs might affect stress levels during dental visits for kids. It compares longer sessions with a dog (Long AAT), shorter ones (Short AAT), and control visits without a dog by measuring stress through physical signs and personal feelings.

What are the potential side effects?

There may not be direct side effects from the interventions since they involve interaction with therapy dogs rather than medication. However, potential indirect effects could include allergic reactions to the dog for those sensitive.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am between 4 and 8 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I am between 4 and 8 years old.

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I do not speak English.

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I am currently experiencing dental pain.

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I am able to understand and follow the study's requirements on my own.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ during dental exam, approximately 2- 5 minutes.

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~during dental exam, approximately 2- 5 minutes.

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and during dental exam, approximately 2- 5 minutes. for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Mean Heart Rate during Dental Cleaning

Mean Heart Rate during Dental Exam

Mean Heart Rate during Dental Radiograph Simulation

+6 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: +Short AATExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Children aged 4-8 y.o. willing to receive an oral exam, a toothbrush cleaning, simulated radiographs and be a study participant - 75 experimental patients who will be interacting with the dog prior to their oral exam.

Group II: +Long AATExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group III: Active control; NO dogActive Control1 Intervention

Children aged 4-8 y.o. willing to receive an oral exam, a toothbrush cleaning, simulated radiographs and be a study participant - 75 control patients who will not be interacting with the dog during their visit and will color a dog picture for 3 minutes instead.

0 / 5Eligibility criteria met