Our friendly mascot and fuzziest part of our team, Kona, is our hypoallergenic goldendoodle comfort companion who is in training to become a therapy dog. Kona can be seen in and around the office reassuring and calming apprehensive patients. Kona is working to become specifically skilled in soothing special needs children or patients who are extra sensitive at the dental office.
Several studies have found that being in the presence of a companion animal is associated with a reduction in anxiety, a feeling of comfort, and elevation of mood-enhancing hormones. Kona provides a happy distraction from dental office sights and sounds—for patients and parents alike!
At Smart Mouth Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that a trip to the dentist’s office can be overwhelming for some. Kona helps our patients overcome their anxiety and we hope be able to live a lifetime with happy, healthy smiles.
Please let us know when you make your appointment if you would like Kona to be available for your child’s visit. Likewise, if you do not want Kona’s presence for any reason, we will make sure she is kept away from you during your child’s time in our office.