Randomization and allocation to study arm
CRF
CRF
The two study arms were to have the dental therapy dog present during the clinical examination on the first versus the second visit. The study arm allocations had been prepared before the trial initiation and concealed in sealed opaque white envelopes. The principal investigator safeguarded the envelopes until the study participant opened the envelope. Opened envelopes were stored as part of the CRF documentation.If the allocation was to have the dental therapy dog present during the clinical examination on the first visit, the principal investigator went to bring the therapy dog to the waiting room. If the allocation were to have the dental therapy dog present during the second clinical examination, the therapy dog would be present in the waiting room to greet the child and parent at their next visit. In both study arms, the child and therapy dog was given time to become acquainted in the waiting room before proceeding to the operatory room.