60 Minute Seminar
Educational Programs, Workshops, Seminars, New Idea Session, and Small Group Discussions
Marnie Oakley, D.M.D.
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Emily Norton, M.S.
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Stephanie Denis
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Research has recognized animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as a useful tool to help reduce stress in various situations. Much of the published work in this area has been dedicated to its positive impact on patients, while evidence supporting its influence on relieving stress in an educational setting appears to be limited. The environmental challenges and stressors in health professions schools in higher education are well-documented and can be insurmountable for residents/students and their supportive faculty/staff. Data from a school-wide survey that measured the impact of an AAT program at a dental school will be presented, in addition to affiliated policy and procedure.