Dentistry with a Dif-fur-rence!

As a pediatric dentist, I’ve always believed that a child’s visit to the dentist should be comforting, positive, and maybe even a little fun. After all, early experiences can shape how they feel about dental care for the rest of their lives. That’s what inspired me to welcome a very special team member—Wrigley, India’s first Dental Assistance Therapy Dog—into our practice at HNM Dental Centre, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. We call the program “Dentistry with a Dif-fur-rence,” and it truly lives up to its name.

Wrigley is not just any dog—he’s specially trained to support children emotionally during their dental visits. His calm and friendly presence helps reduce fear and anxiety, especially in children who are nervous, visiting the dentist for the first time, or have had tough experiences before. Simply being around Wrigley can help kids feel more relaxed and safe, making their appointments smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

I’ve seen the change firsthand. A four-year-old child who was terrified of dental treatment calmly sat through multiple procedures just because Wrigley was lying beside the chair. Another young girl with autism, who couldn’t even step into a dental room before, allowed us to do a full check-up, cleaning—and even an extraction—because she felt comforted by Wrigley’s presence.

Wrigley’s journey to becoming a therapy dog wasn’t easy. He went through special training and passed behavioral tests through the Animal Angels Foundation. After passing the tests with flying colors, Wrigley is now a certified therapy dog in India. He was trained to stay calm around dental tools, loud noises, and kids who may have emotional needs. He always works under my supervision, and only with the parents' consent.

Of course, hygiene is a top priority. Wrigley is regularly groomed and checked by a vet. He’s never allowed on clean or sterile areas, and we encourage children to sanitize their hands before and after interacting with him. His visits are planned so that every child feels safe and comfortable.

For me, this is about more than fixing teeth—it’s about helping children build a healthy, positive relationship with dental care. When kids feel safe and supported, everything changes. And sometimes, the gentle touch of a furry friend can make all the difference.

At our clinic, we’re proud to be bringing this pawsitive change to dentistry in India—one happy smile and one wagging tail at a time.