Toffee the Therapy Dog | Park Road Dental Cheltenham

Nervous about the dentist? Meet Toffee.

Some people find dental visits hard — and that's okay. At Park Road Dental in Cheltenham, you can ask to spend a few quiet minutes with Toffee, our certified therapy dog, before or during your appointment. A soft coat, a wagging tail and no judgement. Just mention Toffee when you book, or call (03) 9584 4949.

Who is Toffee?

Toffee is part of the Park Road family in the truest sense — she belongs to Dr Wei-Hun Tjio, who has been caring for patients here since 2003. She's a certified therapy dog — small, calm, impossibly soft, and trained for exactly this: sitting quietly with people who need a friend. Around the practice she has one job, and she's very good at it: helping nervous visitors feel like they're at a friend's house rather than a dental appointment.

How a visit with Toffee works

Toffee is mostly at the practice on Saturdays, and other days can often be arranged — just speak to us. When you book, let us know you'd like her there: online, add a note, or mention it over the phone. Before your appointment you can sit with her in a quiet spot, give her a pat or a proper cuddle, and take a breath. Many patients like her nearby during treatment too; she's happy to settle beside you while our dentists take care of the rest. There's no extra cost — it's simply part of how we look after anxious patients.

Who Toffee helps most

Anyone who finds dental visits stressful is welcome to ask for her: adults who've put off a check-up for years, children facing their first filling, patients who've had a difficult dental experience in the past. A calm, friendly animal can make an unfamiliar environment feel safe in a way words sometimes can't. Combined with our unhurried pace and a team that explains every step, most people find the visit passes far more easily than they expected.

Not a dog person? No problem.

Toffee only joins appointments when a patient has asked for her. If you'd rather a dog-free visit — allergies, preference, or anything else — nothing changes about your care. She's kept well away from patients who haven't requested her, and every clinical area is cleaned to the same strict standard as always.

Toffee FAQs

Can I ask for Toffee at my appointment?

Yes. Just mention it when you book online or call (03) 9584 4949 and we'll arrange for Toffee to be there for your visit. There's no extra charge — it's simply part of how we help nervous patients feel at home.

Is Toffee at the practice every day?

Toffee is mostly at the practice on Saturdays. If a weekday suits you better, just speak to us — mention her when you book or call, and we'll do our best to arrange a visit that lines up with her schedule.

What if I'm allergic to dogs, or would rather not see one?

Toffee only joins appointments when a patient asks for her. If you'd prefer a dog-free visit, nothing changes — she's kept well away from patients who haven't requested her, and our clinical areas are cleaned to the same strict standard as always.

Is the therapy dog suitable for children?

Very much so — children who feel unsure about the dentist often relax the moment they meet Toffee. She's calm, gentle and used to little visitors. Parents are welcome to decide whether a Toffee cuddle is part of their child's visit.