This Doggie Dental Assistant Makes Those Dreaded Visits a Little Easier

Here’s a way to encourage people to schedule regular dental appointments: Let them hang out with a dog while they're in the examination chair. Pediatric Dentistry of Northbrook in Illinois does just that with JoJo, a therapy dog that keeps kids calm while they undergo uncomfortable procedures.

The golden retriever spends most of her days comforting nursing home patients and people with disabilities, according to Buzzfeed, but once a month, she pops by the dentist’s office to show kids there’s nothing to fear about dental hygiene. She sits on patients’ laps and provides a welcome distraction from the uncomfortable business of getting your teeth worked on—no laughing gas necessary.

In addition to providing much-needed comfort, she probably also serves as a great example of the kind of breath that results from not brushing your teeth.

More canine dental hygienists, please. 

[h/t Mashable]

All images from Pediatric Dentistry of Northbrook via Facebook.