Dropping birth rates and a market slump have seen some dental clinics in Japan introduce dog companions, maid services and on-site gym facilities in a bid to boost business.
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A paediatric dental clinic in Ibaraki prefecture in central Japan has been hiring therapy dogs for two decades to comfort its little patients.
The idea occurred to the Palette Clinic’s founder and dentist, surnamed Suzuki, after she met a therapy dog, golden retriever Flora.
She invited Flora and her owner on a trial in her clinic, and it surprised them that she was not scared by the high-pitched noise and strong odours common in a dental clinic.
Later, Suzuki brought in more therapy dogs, especially smaller canines, so that they could rest on or next to the patients’ body while they undergo treatment.
The move received positive feedback from patients, who said they felt less scared.