Kristie CerutiMeet Nutmeg, therapy dog-in-training.
Nutmeg was brought to the Feb. 28 Give Kids A Smile event held at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry.
Chance Lawrence, 7, was nervous about his visit to the dentist, but said he felt better when he was able to pet Nutmeg. Chance was one of 168 children seen and treated during the Give Kids A Smile event.
The Give Kids Smile event featured a classroom where young patients kept busy before and after their dental visits. This fun room consisted of: a balloon artist, coloring books, the movie “Frozen” and a skit on how to keep your teeth healthy performed by OSHU dental students.
According to ADA News, dental students, in bright orange shirts, ensured volunteers — including third- and fourth-year dental students, dental assistant students, residents and faculty — were readily available to greet the children at any of the 56 dental chairs in the facility.
To read more about Nutmeg and the event: https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2015-archive/march/smiles-for-puppy-love
Meet SHEA
Breed: West Highland White Terrier
Likes: Fishing, Dr. Donn Winokur, staff and patients at Ocean Family Dental
Favorite foods: Edamame and grilled chicken
Dr. Donn Winokur from Toms River, N.J., was way ahead of the dental therapy pet trend with his trusty sidekick Shea. Specializing in pediatric dentistry since 1973, Dr. Winokur found himself drawn to helping children, especially those with special needs.
“I developed that when I was a young child. I saw people with special needs who weren’t being cared for, so I just developed a sub skillset.”
