According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 20 million Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear.

Most dentists are well aware of their patients’ anxieties. They try to create a soothing environment where patients can feel calm and comfortable, beginning with an inviting waiting room and a caring, attentive staff. Some practices offer television, music, or even virtual reality glasses to entertain and distract nervous patients in the chair. Others employ pillows, blankets or aromatherapy to help their patients relax.

But one practitioner has found a unique solution to help his young patients conquer their dental phobia. The clinic of Dr. Paul Weiss, a pediatric dentist in Williamsville, N.Y., recently posted a photo on the popular website reddit that showed how he uses his golden retriever Brooke to act as a therapy dog to calm nervous young patients. According to MSN.com, Brooke is bathed before each visit and Weiss’s office is cleaned after she leaves to maintain proper sanitation.