Nervous about the Dentist? Book with Bruce
Bruce is Australia’s first certified dental therapy dog and he’s right here in Warragul
At Warragul Dental Care we love helping nervous patients overcome their fear of the Dentist. Our four-legged friend, Dogtor Bruce, is a big part of making that happen.
We hear a lot about bad dental experiences, especially from patients who grew up being treated at dental clinics in the 1960’s. We work with children and adults who have developed anxiety around the dentist and keep delaying vital treatment.
We’re here to change all that.
By your side to calm your nerves
When you book with Dogtor Bruce he’ll greet you at the door, sit with you in the patient lounge and accompany you to the treatment room and sit by your chair. Once your happy and settled, Bruce will usually leave the room (but only once you’re completely relaxed!). It’s a long day for a Therapy Dog, so we need to make sure he has breaks. If you’re a younger patient and having a short appointment, Bruce can sometimes stay for the full visit but we’ll let you know on the day.
We always have a handler nearby if you have any questions about Bruce. You’re welcome to pat Bruce, cuddle him and give him all the love and attention you want.
A dental therapy dog is different from the dogs who work for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Guide dogs need to concentrate on their jobs. Bruce’s job is to give and receive love and pats, so feel free to cuddle to your heart’s content. (You just try stopping him!).
Bruce's training + hobbies
Bruce started training to be a dental therapy dog at just 8 weeks old. He graduated from his training at 1 year and 1 day when he passed his dental therapy dog test.
He’s now comfortable with the sights and sounds of a dental environment and happy to chill out at the office being spoiled by the team and supporting our nervous patients.
Even as a qualified therapy dog Bruce still needs regular training so you might see him out and about in Warragul visiting the bank, shops and coffee shops. If you see him, please stop and say Hi, he loves meeting new people and having a little face squidge.
Outside of work Bruce lives with Dr Anand, Belinda and his best mate Dave at their spacious home in Warragul. He loves playing chasey, chewing up milk bottles and late-night cuddles with Dave.
Bruce is a clever young chap and loves attending Cherokees K9 School weekly where he works hard to impress head trainer, Lisa. Bruce thinks school is brilliant and adores working with Lisa to hone his skills.
After work and school Bruce gets to hang out with his doggy friends and play in the garden. The great team at K9Creative make sure Bruce is kept in sparkling condition with regular pampering sessions.
Call for your creature comforts
It’s easy to book an appointment. You can call us on 5623 5588, use our online messaging to chat to the team or pop in and see us at 49 Victoria Street, Warragul.
You can also head to our contact page and complete the form.
Don’t forget to let the team know that you want to see Bruce, so we can pop it in his calendar.
You can read more about Dogtor Bruce on our blog. Watch out though, there are puppy pictures and a LOT of cuteness.