dentist THERAPY DOG JARA

With our therapy dog Jara, we aim to offer anxious patients of all ages a pleasant dental experience.
Jara's presence helps to create a calming atmosphere, which is particularly beneficial for patients who shy away from visits to the dentist.

We pay strict attention to RKI recommendationshigh hygiene standards and the Animal Welfare Act.

This is ouR Therapy AccompanY Jara

Breed: Japanese Spitz

Gender: female

Height: 34 cm

Temperament: playful, lively, intelligent, loyal, reserved, affectionate, obedient, companionable, proud

Weight: approx. 8 kg

Born: 12.1.2016

Color: White

Origin: Thuringian Forest

Training: special therapy assistance dog team training (112 hours through the Canoidea dog school)

Possible uses of the therapy dog

Basically, the task of a dentist's therapy dog is very simple: the therapy companion dog must first and foremost simply be present and evoke a positive feeling with its friendly, fluffy appearance and charming, gentle nature. Our therapy dog Jara can be stroked by the patient in the run-up to the actual treatment in the practice in Karlsruhe.

After the treatment, Jara can perform a little trick with the children in particular, such as giving a paw, doing a high five, sit or down. Of course, the therapy dog should be rewarded for successfully treating the patient and receive a treat from the patient herself. Linking your own treatment with the therapy dog's reward should have the psychological effect of making the patient more courageous. This should encourage successful treatment and, above all, associate dental treatment with positive emotions.

Due to the high hygiene standards in dental practices and the time factor, Jara should not be given a long "active" task during dental treatment. In addition, aids associated with Jara can also link the visit to the dentist with positive expectations and increase motivation for oral hygiene at home, such as the Jara introduction book, the Jara toothbrushing video or Jara stickers and photos.

TREATMENTS

TREATMENT CHILDREN

Interaction with children takes place in that they are allowed to stroke the therapy dog Jara before and after the treatment in an animal-friendly way, can perform a "trick" with her and of course receive treats with or without "Jara dice".

TREATMENT ADULTS:

The dentist therapy dog's presence alone should create a more pleasant treatment atmosphere. Additional measures to help the patient feel positive include giving Jara a treat and/or petting the therapy dog.
Alternatively, adults can also perform a "trick" with Jara if they wish.

  • Jara is primarily intended to be used with patients who find it difficult to visit the dentist and/or struggle with their fear of the dentist. In particular, children from the age of 5 and dog-loving adults are to be treated in an animal-assisted manner.

  • Due to the high hygiene standards in German dental practices, the risk of transmission from dog to human and human to dog must be reduced to a minimum. To this end, an additional hygiene plan was drawn up for Jara in addition to the general hygiene plan.

  • In order to achieve animal-friendly handling of Jara, patients are familiarized with appropriate rules of conduct in advance of the treatment.

  • The Lieblinsgzahn practice team is trained once a year in the use of Jara and the corresponding hygiene and general rules.

  • Patients must sign a declaration of consent before each treatment. This confirms that animal-assisted therapy is desired and that there are no contraindications, such as dog phobia, infections or allergies.

    In the case of treatment of children, at least one parent or legal guardian must sign the declaration of consent.

OUR THERAPY DOG - Presentation book

In it, Jara introduces herself and patients can get an idea of Jara in advance. In the book, Jara encourages children in particular to brush their teeth and tries to arouse their curiosity about the treatment.

THERAPIEHUND tooth brushing video

Our therapy dog Jara loves brushing her teeth. That's why we made a little toothbrushing movie to motivate children in particular to brush their teeth. It can be played on the tablet if required.

Therapy dog ERsatz:
Japanese Spitz cuddly toy

A very original and Jara-like looking cuddly toy is intended to demonstrate to children and possibly adults how to stroke and approach dogs. The "hand movements" can be practiced on this cuddly toy. In addition, the cuddly toy can "stand in" if Jara is unexpectedly absent for any number of reasons, e.g. indisposition, diarrhea, accident, etc.

Autograph card, photos and stickers of THerapiehund Jara

Children in particular should receive a tangible reminder of our therapy dog Jara as a mental anchor after successful dental treatment. They can either choose a photo, autograph card or sticker of the therapy dog and take it home with them.