Seattle Dentist Provides Therapy Dog to Comfort Patients

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Aug 6, 2014) - Dr. Robert Berman, founder of Seattle dentistry practice Innovative Dentistry, has encountered many patients who have been extremely tense and anxious during even the most routine dental treatments. In fact, dental anxiety is very common, affecting millions of Americans. It can be so intense that many people do not seek dental treatment when they desperately need it. Although advanced sedation dentistry techniques can often be used to calm nervous patients through a procedure, Dr. Berman says he has found another effective way to help patients relax when they are undergoing treatment: Humphrey the Therapy Dog.

In a recent blog post on Dr. Berman's website titled: "Humphrey the Therapy Dog Featured on KING 5 Seattle News," the three year-old Labradoodle's natural aptitude for comforting others is on full display. Dr. Berman adopted Humphrey more than a year ago, and immediately recognized his ability to put people at ease. He decided to enroll Humphrey in Pet Partners, a dog therapy school, after seeing how much he helped calm down an emergency after-hours patient. In the KING 5 news segment, Humphrey's gentle presence allows a patient, Monica Johnson, to conquer her fear of the dentist and undergo a procedure without sedation. Due to Humphrey's popularity, Dr. Berman was asked by Pet Partners to speak at their annual fundraising event. 

The cosmetic and general dentist in Seattle explains in detail why everyone loves Humphrey in another blog entry that discusses how nervous patients can request Humphrey the Therapy Dog for upcoming visits. He says Humphrey is extremely mild-mannered, affectionate, and obedient. As a certified therapy dog handler, Dr. Berman notes how easily Humphrey makes his patients feel more at peace during a procedure. Dr. Berman says an additional benefit of having a therapy dog is that patients are more comfortable getting a procedure without sedation, which allows him to receive instant feedback on the treatment. He says his patients really enjoy being able to hold the dog's paw and are comforted when they pet him.

Dr. Berman remarks how delightful it is to see his previously nervous patients relax and enjoy their office visit, and he proposes patients always take the time to communicate with their dentist beforehand if they feel nervous or apprehensive about a treatment. He says this can ultimately help their dental office be more conscious about how they can make the visit more comfortable.

About Robert G. Berman, DDS

Dr. Robert Berman graduated from Pennsylvania State University and Northwestern University Dental School. He has over 25 years of cosmetic and general dentistry experience and continues to invest in continuing education courses. Dr. Berman's Seattle practice, Innovative Dentistry, offers porcelain veneers, dental implants, Invisalign®, teeth whitening and other general and cosmetic dental services. Dr. Berman is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Seattle King County Dental Society, and the Washington State Dental Association. He is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Dr. Berman and Innovative Dentistry, please visit whereseattlesmiles.com.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.whereseattlesmiles.com/blog/practice-news/seattle-dentist-provides-therapy-dog-to-comfort-patients/