Jessica Suedbeck, RDH, BS, MSDH, PhD(c), is an assistant professor, senior clinic coordinator, and director of clinical innovation and education in the Gene W. Hirschfeld School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Her research focuses on workplace safety for the dental hygienist, which encompasses occupational hazards such as ergonomic practices, hearing loss, and mental health hazards such as burnout and implicit bias. Suedbeck uses a multidisciplinary approach working interprofessionally with audiologists, kinesiologists, and public health practitioners and is a frequent contributor to top-tier journals. She has received funding for research both intramurally and extramurally as well as presented at national and international conferences. Suedbeck is also a member of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene’s Peer Review Panel.
While research is limited, some studies show that this therapy may be helpful in preventing and managing periodontal diseases, dental caries, and oral malodor.
While animal-assisted interventions may reduce distress for anxious patients, dental professionals need to adhere to appropriate guidelines to ensure their proper introduction into dental practice.