His name is Aldo, and he is the first dog in Ecuador to work in a dental clinic, directly with patients.
His work has gone viral because of the sweet reasons behind his presence in a dental office called Parque Dental. Since joining the team, he has become a fundamental part of the experience for many of the clinic’s patients.
Aldo has become the first dental assistant dog in Ecuador, and his work is completely changing the experience for children during their visits to the dentist. This 8-year-old Labrador Retriever, who works at the Parque Dental Children’s Dentistry Center in Quito, not only provides emotional support but also transforms each appointment into a more pleasant experience for the little patients.
As an emotional support dog, Aldo underwent rigorous training for two years before joining the dental office team. His primary mission is to reduce the anxiety and fear that many children often feel when sitting in the dental chair.
Unlike conventional dental assistants, Aldo does not handle tools or perform procedures, but his mere presence is enough to soothe and comfort the little ones. That’s why he is allowed to hop up onto the dental chair when the patient is being treated and even rest his head on their lap, so they can feel safer and more relaxed.
Aldo’s company creates a welcoming environment, generating a positive effect that helps reduce children’s anxiety during each appointment. Thus, this four-legged emotional support has made a significant difference in how little ones face their visits to the dentist. This commendable canine mission has garnered so much attention that on social media, Aldo is affectionately referred to as “Dogtor.”