Meet Snapper: Our Dental Therapy Dog 🐾
If you’ve met Snapper, you already know—she has a way of putting people at ease the moment he walks into the room.
Snapper is our dental therapy dog, and while she takes his role seriously, her real gift is simple: helping patients feel calmer, safer, and more comfortable during their visit. Whether it’s a quiet presence nearby, a gentle nudge, or a reassuring tail wag, Snapper helps transform a stressful dental appointment into a more positive experience.
Snapper is part of our broader approach to patient-centered care, especially for individuals who experience dental anxiety or need a more supportive environment during their visit.
Why a Therapy Dog in a Dental Office?
Dental anxiety is incredibly common. For some patients, it’s mild uneasiness. For others, it can trigger sweating, increased heart rate, muscle tension, or even panic—often leading people to delay or avoid dental care altogether.
Therapy dogs have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Snapper’s calm, friendly presence helps lower anxiety and gives patients something comforting to focus on, making dental visits feel more manageable and less intimidating.
Supporting Patients with Medically Complex Needs
Snapper plays an especially meaningful role for patients receiving
complex, medically involved dental care.
Patients managing chronic illness, recovering from medical treatment, or undergoing more involved dental procedures often experience heightened anxiety and emotional stress. Snapper provides quiet reassurance during these visits, helping patients feel grounded and supported throughout their care.
Helping Children and Adults Feel at Home
Children often connect with Snapper immediately. A friendly therapy dog can shift fear into curiosity and help kids associate the dental office with something positive. Many adults find the same comfort—sometimes for the first time in a dental setting.
Safety, Training, and Hygiene
Snapper is carefully trained and screened for temperament and behavior. She follows strict hygiene and safety protocols and is only present when appropriate and welcome. Her role is supportive and calm, always centered on patient comfort.
Our protocols are designed to ensure safety for all patients, including those with sensitivities, medical conditions, or specific oral health concerns.
More Than a Mascot
Snapper isn’t here to replace dental care—she’s here to support the experience of receiving it.
At CJ Henley, DMD, PA, we believe dentistry should feel thoughtful, compassionate, and human. Snapper is part of that philosophy. Sometimes the most meaningful care comes not just from clinical expertise, but from helping patients feel truly at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snapper
Is Snapper always present during dental visits?
Snapper is present when appropriate and when it aligns with patient comfort and scheduling. Not every appointment includes Snapper, but our team is happy to let you know when she’ll be available.
Can I request Snapper for my appointment?
Yes. If having Snapper nearby would help reduce anxiety, let our team know when scheduling your visit and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Is Snapper safe in a clinical environment?
Absolutely. Snapper is trained as a therapy dog and follows strict hygiene and safety protocols to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for all patients.
Are therapy dogs helpful for adults too?
Yes. While children often benefit greatly, many adults find that a therapy dog helps them relax and feel more comfortable during dental care.