




At My Dental Care @ West End, we understand that a trip to the dentist can sometimes feel a little daunting—especially for those who experience dental anxiety. That’s why we’ve welcomed a very special team member to our practice: Molar, our gentle and friendly therapy dog.
Molar is a Cavoodle (a delightful mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle) known for his loving temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat. Calm, affectionate, and always ready with a tail wag, Molar has been specially chosen for his ability to help our patients feel safe, relaxed, and at ease during their dental visits.
A Therapy Dog is a dog that has been trained with its owner to provide therapeutic intervention to patients in the community. Research has found that dogs cortisol levels can sync with their owners, meaning they can sense when someone is stressed, feeling down, depressed, or even lonely, and naturally want to provide their companion with their unconditional love and support.
At My Dental Care at West End, we want all of our patients to feel welcome into our practice and calm and comfortable when going into any treatment. Molar can provide a comforting presence for patients who may feel uneasy about dental treatment. Some patients find that having a therapy dog nearby can help them feel more relaxed in the dental setting. Molar is available to sit in the waiting area or accompany patients during their appointments upon request.
We understand that every patient is different, and we’re happy to discuss whether Molar’s presence may be suitable for your visit. If you prefer a dog-free space, please let our reception team know—we always aim to respect personal preferences and needs.
If you’re considering dental treatment but have hesitated due to anxiety or fear of the dentist, contact our team to see how Molar can help! You can learn more about Therapy Dogs here.
Dental anxiety can develop from past experiences, uncertainty about pain, fear of unfamiliar procedures or general worry about discomfort. A supportive environment, clear explanations and gentle approaches can help reduce these feelings for many patients.
Many children enjoy meeting Molar and find that his friendly presence helps them feel more relaxed during their visit. For some young patients, having Molar nearby can make the dental experience feel less intimidating. If you’d like Molar to be part of your child’s appointment, just let us know when booking.
Dental anxiety can begin at any age, even in early childhood. It often develops after a negative dental experience, fear of pain, or hearing others talk about their own fears. Some children become anxious simply from the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and sensations at the dentist. At My Dental Care @ West End, we understand that these early experiences matter. Our team takes extra care to create a calm, welcoming environment for patients of all ages, helping to ease fear before it grows. By addressing anxiety early, we aim to support a more relaxed experience and encourage lifelong dental care habits.
Absolutely. Avoiding the dentist due to anxiety can lead to untreated dental issues such as decay, infection, or gum disease, which may also affect your overall health. Ongoing problems with your teeth and gums can impact how you eat, speak, and interact with others. By addressing dental anxiety early on, you can stay on top of your oral care and reduce the risk of complications that may require more complex treatment later.
Yes! If you feel more comfortable having Molar nearby during your visit, simply let our team know when booking. He can sit quietly beside the chair to help create a calming environment. Please note that Molar may not be available for all appointments, but we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Yes, many patients find relief through non-medicated techniques such as guided breathing, mindfulness exercises, distraction methods (like listening to music), and open communication with our team. While sedation options are available, we often begin with these calming strategies to see if they are enough to reduce your stress.
Many people find comfort through slow-paced appointments, clear communication, relaxation strategies and the ability to take breaks. Some patients also feel calmer with calming aids, such as listening to music or requesting Molar, our gentle dental support dog.
We completely understand and respect individual needs and preferences. Molar is only present during appointments when requested, and our team takes care to maintain a clean, hygienic environment. If you would prefer a dog-free space, please let us know when booking—we’re happy to make arrangements to ensure your comfort.
Yes, many people feel anxious long before they step into a clinic. Thinking about potential pain or unfamiliar procedures can heighten worry. Reaching out for a simple conversation with the dental team can often reduce uncertainty and make the next steps feel easier.
