Simon the ‘show-stealer’: Therapy dog comforts patients at Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry

WASILLA — Simon the service dog is stealing the spotlight at Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry, providing a comforting and memorable experience for young patients every week.

“It’s been good for a lot of anxious kids having him sitting right there next to them,” Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry owner Chris Rosenvall said. “It can be a scary thing for a lot of kids... We try and make it different for them... We’re just always looking for ways to make going to the dentist more comfortable for kids.”

Molar Bear has received a lot of positive online reviews since Simon’s arrival. Rosenvall said most of them have been about Simon, and they love witnessing children light up when they see Simon.

“We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response. Everyone wants to meet him. He’s kinda been the show-stealer,” Rosenvall said with a laugh.

Simon is a 3-year-old poodle that started his doggy day job toward the end of February. Rosenvall said they were able to fly him up here after the travel restrictions loosened.

Simon calmly walks children to a relaxing sensory room with a couch and television. He sits with patients as they receive their dental care.

“He is probably just the sweetest, kindest dog… He just wants to be loved. He’s a very calm dog, very patient. He’s been great,” Rosenvall said.

Molar Bear offers specialized care with a strong emphasis on supporting local children with special needs or disabilities. He noted that when it’s time to clock out, Simon goes home with him where he’s been a tremendous help for his son with ADHD.

“We’ve seen quite a few children who have autism, or ADHD, or other special needs like that, and Simon has been great for that. They’ve been a lot more calm, more comfortable being with him,” Rosenvall said.

Simon has been trained to work with children of all ages. Rosenvall said that having an onsite therapy dog has been a huge help in their overall mission to help local families with a wide range of unique needs.

“We do everything we can for the kids and their parents… We try to make it more of a personal feel when you come here. It’s one family at a time, and I think there’s a lot of people who appreciate that,” Rosenvall said.

Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry will be located within the Wasilla City Center at 609 S. Knik-Goose Bay Rd. For more information, call 907-376-6527 or visit akmolarbear.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann @frontiersman.com