Dentists should review ‘no dogs’ policies to recognise assistance dogs, according to DDU

In the latest edition of the DDU Journal, the DDU notes that under equality and discrimination law, reasonable adjustments should be made to ensure access to dental treatment facilities for patients with assistance dogs. This can include not only guide or hearing dogs but also dogs helping patients with other conditions. 

Alison Large, DDU dento-legal adviser, commented, “According to Assistance Dogs UK, over 7,000 disabled people in the UK rely on an assistance dog to help with practical tasks – offering emotional support and independence.

“One of those tasks may be to support a patient when attending a dental appointment, so it’s important for our members to know how to deal with such a scenario. While the term 'assistance dog' most commonly refers to guide or hearing dogs, it can also mean service dogs for those with other conditions. While many dogs receive specific training some assistance dogs can be owner selected and trained.”