30 August 2023

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Harvard alum helps patients de-stress with therapy dog

By Harvard School of Dental Medicine News

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Dr. Michelle Chou and her a two-year-old miniature goldendoodle Bao are on a mission to spread joy in some of the most stressful settings. From dental office to college campus, the four-legged, curly blonde pup has wagged his way into the hearts of those who need comfort. The duo was featured recently in a news story from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. 

“He has a natural talent for bringing joy and happiness wherever he goes,” said Chou, who is an alumnus of both Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as well as a part-time lecturer at HSDM. She received her dental degree from New York University, where she graduated with honors in orthodontics and in research.

Bao is a certified therapy dog who visits the Longwood campus monthly with Chou to participate in Countway Library’s “Countway Cuddles” program. The events are open to all members of the Longwood Medical community who are encouraged to stop by and interact with therapy animals to help combat burnout, stress and anxiety.

Having a dog was never a life plan of Chou’s. It wasn’t until another HSDM alumnus, Rodney Raanan, gave her a call about a puppy named Buddy that he and his brother, Justin Raanan, recently adopted. Rodney mentioned that their new dog had a brother and asked Chou if she would be interested in adopting. Two weeks later, Chou sent in the paperwork and Bao was adopted in late 2020.

Chou began reading articles about the positive correlations between the presence of therapy dogs in medical and dental settings and the alleviation of anxiety among patients. With his friendly and playful personality, Chou realized that Bao would be the perfect fit for this role and enrolled him in professional training and certification programs.

“As a busy orthodontist who works with children on a daily basis, I strongly believed that Bao could not only benefit my patients but also bring comfort and happiness to those in need outside of my practice,” said Chou. “I wanted him to have a more meaningful life, and becoming a therapy dog would help him achieve that while also making a positive impact on others.”

Since becoming certified, Bao has been a game-changer for her practice, helping her patients relieve stress and providing emotional support during their orthodontic visits.

“Patients are now eagerly anticipating their orthodontic appointments just so they can see Bao! Some siblings of our patients even beg to tag along with their brother or sister's appointment so they can get a glimpse of our furry friend,” she said.

When Chou learned about the Countway Cuddles program, she jumped at the chance to help comfort students who may need a moment of stress-relief from the rigors of their academic programs.

“As a HSDM alumna, I have always strived to give back to the school in various capacities," said Chou. "I believe it is essential to do so, as my education and experience as a student at Harvard would not have been possible without the contributions of other alumni,”. “Now it brings me great joy to create a new way to give back and make a positive impact on the Longwood community through the Countway Cuddles program. It has been a fulfilling experience, and I look forward to continuing to give back in any way that I can.”

Read more about the use of therapy dogs in a dental setting in this story from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.