Skip to main content

Dental Support Dog | Caring Dentist Near Me

 At LADD Dental Group, we believe that exceptional dentistry isn’t just about teeth — it’s about people. For many patients, visiting the dentist can bring real anxiety, and we’ve always been committed to creating an environment where every patient feels safe, comfortable, and cared for.

That’s why we are truly grateful to be able to offer something special to our more anxious patients: Anna, our gentle and comforting dental support dog.

Who Is Anna?

Anna is our trained and temperament-tested support dog who has quickly become a beloved member of the LADD Dental Group family. With her calm personality, warm presence, and natural ability to help people relax, Anna has transformed the dental experience for so many of our patients.

Why We Chose to Bring a Dental Support Dog Into Our Practice

Dental fear affects millions of people. Some patients postpone or even avoid needed care because of stress or anxiety. We wanted a solution that felt human, compassionate, and comforting — and a support dog was the perfect answer.

Research consistently shows that therapy dogs can help:

  • Lower blood pressure

  • Reduce stress hormones

  • Boost feelings of relaxation and emotional support

  • Provide distraction and comfort during procedures

Seeing these benefits firsthand has been incredibly rewarding.

How Anna Helps Our Patients

For anxious patients, Anna provides:

  • A calming presence: Her quiet companionship helps soothe nerves the moment she enters the room.

  • A sense of safety: Patients often feel more grounded and less overwhelmed just by petting her.

  • A positive, gentle distraction: Focusing on Anna instead of the procedure can make visits feel easier and shorter.

  • Support for all ages: Kids adore her, adults appreciate her reassurance, and seniors often feel more relaxed with her nearby.

Many patients who once dreaded dental appointments now tell us they actually look forward to seeing Anna — and that alone makes this program worth it.

What This Means to Us

We are grateful every day for the opportunity to provide a service that genuinely improves the patient experience. Dentistry is changing, but compassion will always remain at the core of what we do. Anna helps us live that mission more fully.

She reminds us that small moments of comfort can make a big difference, and we’ve seen how her presence helps patients receive the care they need with less fear and more confidence.

Requesting Anna for Your Visit

If you or your child feels anxious about the dentist, let us know — we would be happy to schedule Anna to be part of your appointment. Whether she’s sitting beside you, offering a paw, or simply resting nearby, she’s here to help. 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sedation Dentistry | Adult Sedation Dentistry | Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville

Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville, Indiana  Nearly half of all North Americans don’t go to the dentist every year.   The number one reason, according to the American Dental Association, is fear.  But fear isn’t the only reason.  People have busy lives and little time for repeated visits to the dentist. Some don't see the importance of keeping their teeth.  And there are a host of other reasons as well.  Whatever your reason, or the reasons for someone close to you, know this – you are not alone!  Sedation Dentistry is here to help you, as it has so many other patients, safely and effectively get the care you need in a safe and comfortable environment for the best dental experience you’ve ever had. This isn’t a One Size Fits All Each patient is unique. That means that whatever medications you may be taking, dental treatments needed, or the years away from the dentist – there is a safe and effective way to get the smi...

Dental Work | Importance of Routine Dental Care | Preventative Dental Care

Importance of Routine Dental Care  When I was in my 30s and a dentist told me I needed a few crowns , I decided to skip the expensive devices because of my meager paycheck. Besides, my teeth weren't hurting. Years later, I am paying the price in pain and costlier dental work . One of the damaged teeth that needed a crown distorted my bite, making a minor jaw-joint problem even worse. Unfortunately I'm far from alone. The price of dental care is steep for many people financially, physically and even socially, according to Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association. Vujicic said that the  majority of emergency room dental visits  were for infections that could be handled in a dentist's office. Overall, emergency room dental visits cost $1.9 billion yearly, 40 percent of which is public money, according to his institute's analysis of data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quali...

Welcome Dr. Anastasia Golodaeva | LADD Dental Group of McCordsville

 At LADD Dental Group of McCordsville , we are thrilled to introduce Dr. Anastasia Golodaeva , a skilled and compassionate dentist who brings a unique perspective to patient care. Dr. Golodaeva's journey in dentistry began long before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2024. Her extensive background as an outstanding dental assistant gives her a well-rounded understanding of oral health, allowing her to provide exceptional care tailored to each patient’s needs. A Strong Foundation in Dental Assisting Before pursuing dental school, Dr. Golodaeva dedicated years to the field as a highly skilled dental assistant. Her experience in chairside assisting, patient care, and clinical procedures laid a solid foundation for her transition into dentistry . She developed a keen eye for diagnosing oral conditions, building trusting relationships with patients, and promoting lifelong healthy habits—all of which continue to be the c...