258 - The Effectiveness of Therapy Dogs In Reducing Stress Levels

Healthcare, particularly dental practice, imposes significant stress and burnout risks on personnel due to the nature of patient care responsibilities, administrative tasks, and emotional strain. Recognizing the imperative for effective stress management strategies, this study focuses on exploring the potential of therapy dogs as a means of alleviating stress among dental staff. Employing a prospective interventional design, we assessed physiological and subjective stress markers before and after interaction with a therapy dog. Results indicate a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rate post-interaction, as well as a significant improvement in negative affect as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale.