Considerations for Utilizationof Animal-Assisted Therapy in Pediatric Dentistry Practice.

The use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in pediatric dental practices is a relatively new approach for behavior management, with few studies gauging interest in its use from the provider's perspective. The purpose of this study was to assess pediatric dentists' interest in and concerns with the use of AAT and identify its challenges and limitations. A survey was sent to the membership of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, comprising questions about providers' practices and their views on the benefits of and concerns about implementing AAT.

Participation in the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund policy by dentists in South Carolina's safety net.

Objectives: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act appropriated $100 billion to the Provider Relief Fund, allowing for direct payments to health care providers due to COVID-19. Few studies have evaluated participation in the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), and none have specifically looked at dental providers in the safety net.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, secondary data analysis using a quasi-experimental cohort design of South Carolina dentists who received PRF payments, comparing those who did and did not participate in the safety net.