Meet Uno The Dental Therapy Dog
Here to Help You Love Coming To The Dentist
He has never held a dental mirror in his life, yet Uno has a real talent for putting people at ease. As our resident dental therapy dog in East Melbourne, he has one job, and he is very good at it.
An unconventional hire
Every practice has its quiet achiever. At DENTL, his name is Uno, and his qualifications are a little unusual. He keeps no patient notes, charges for nothing, and has been known to fall asleep mid-shift. What he does have is a gift for softening the edges of a dental visit, which is rather harder to teach.
His brief is sincere and uncomplicated. Uno is here as a calm companion for anyone who finds a trip to the dentist a touch daunting, and the rest of the team are quietly glad to have him.
Does DENTL have a therapy dog?
Yes. His name is Uno, and he is a permanent part of the DENTL team in East Melbourne, Victoria. You will usually find him in the lounge, on hand for anyone who would appreciate a little company before a check-up or a longer appointment.
What a day with Uno looks like
Jane lets us in on an ordinary day at the practice. A fair portion of it, it turns out, involves Uno surveying the rooms and deciding which patient looks most in need of moral support.
Reception’s unofficial greeter
Uno tends to claim his usual spot well before the lounge fills up. He is there as you arrive, less a formal welcome and more a familiar face that is simply pleased to see you with a wagging tail. For anyone whose nerves build in the minutes before an appointment, that small bit of company tends to go a long way.
For the days when nerves run high
Feeling uneasy about the dentist is far more ordinary than most people will admit, and nobody here expects you to explain it. The team works at your pace and talks you through each step without hurrying the parts that matter. Uno just lends a little warmth to a room that can otherwise feel rather clinical.
How a dog earns a place on a dental team
There is nothing to arrange and no box to tick. Uno is part of the furniture, in the best possible sense, and he has a way of finding the patients who appreciate him most.
1.
A face at the door: Catch him on a good day and Uno will be there to meet you. It is a gentler welcome than a clipboard and a clock on the wall.
2.
Somewhere kinder to look: Nerves love an empty moment. A calm companion to rest your attention on gives the mind something easier to settle on before treatment begins.
3.
Backup, when you want it: Some visits ask for more than a friendly face. For those, DENTL offers sedation dentistry and general anaesthesia, so your comfort is looked after either way.
Rather more than a friendly dog
Charm aside, DENTL is a full-service practice in the heart of East Melbourne, Victoria. Whatever brings you in, the same unhurried approach applies, Uno’s supervision included.
If you want to give your child the best start for a lifetime of healthy smiles, our Children’s Dentistry services are designed just for them.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does DENTL have a dental therapy dog?
Yes, and his name is Uno. He is based at DENTL in East Melbourne, Victoria, where his role is to keep patients company and take the edge off a visit, from a quick check-up to a longer appointment.
What does a therapy dog actually do at a dental clinic?
Rather less than you might expect, and that is totally by design. Uno is not there to perform. He offers a calm, steady presence in a setting that can feel tense for some, which many patients find makes the visit easier to walk into.
Can Uno help if I feel anxious about the dentist?
For a lot of people, yes. A friendly companion can quietly settle the nerves that tend to surface in a waiting room. He works alongside the rest of the team’s approach, and for patients who would like firmer support, DENTL also offers sedation dentistry and general anaesthesia.
Will Uno be in for every appointment?
Not always. Even therapy dogs keep their own diary. He is in often, so if you would like to say hello, mention it when you book and the team will try to line your visit up with one of his days.
What if I have allergies or feel nervous around dogs?
Then Uno will happily keep his distance, no hard feelings. Let the team know when you book and they will arrange your visit so that you are comfortable from start to finish.
Where is DENTL located?
On the Ground Floor at 150 Jolimont Road, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002. Call the team on (03) 8820 1699 or email smile@dentl.com.au, and yes, you are welcome to ask whether Uno is in.
Come in and meet Uno
Book a check-up, ask about a treatment, or simply come and see what the fuss is about. Jane and the team will look after the dentistry. Uno will handle the welcome.
DISCLAIMER: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
