For many children and even adults, walking into an orthodontic office can feel intimidating. The unfamiliar sounds, anticipation of treatment, and even a routine appointment can create anxiety. At Bailey Orthodontics, however, patients are often greeted first by a wagging tail, transforming what could be a stressful visit into something they genuinely look forward to. Over the years, two very special team members, Vader and now Snickers, have proven that compassion sometimes comes on four legs.
The idea began in 2016 after Dr. Bailey heard about his brother's orthodontic practice in Utah, where patients loved having a puppy in the office. Around that same time, one of Dr. Bailey's young patients struggled with dental anxiety. His mother mentioned that her son loved dogs, and it sparked an idea.
"My brother is an orthodontist in Utah and had taken his puppy to the office and told me how patients really liked having the dog in the office," Dr. Bailey says. "I had a patient who did not like coming to the office, and his mom told me he really loved dogs, so I decided to bring Vader in for this one patient every time he had an appointment."
The difference was immediate.
"It totally changed this patient's attitude," Dr. Bailey recalls. "He really opened up, started talking and loved spending time with Vader."
Soon, other patients noticed Vader and began asking if he could join them during their appointments too. What started as a thoughtful gesture for one child quickly became part of the Bailey Orthodontics experience.
"Other patients saw this and then said they wanted the dog when they had their appointments, so from that day forward Vader came to the office every day."
Vader soon became much more than the office mascot. He helped create an environment where children felt more comfortable, parents saw anxious kids relax, and appointments felt less stressful. As Dr. Bailey explains, "It really makes the office environment so much fun. The patients and parents love to come and see the dogs and play with them."
The impact lasted well beyond treatment.
"To this day, I still have patients who have been out of treatment for many years stop by just to say hi to Vader and now to Snickers," Dr. Bailey says. "They have made such an impact in our office."
After nearly eight years of greeting patients, Vader gradually eased into retirement in 2024 before officially passing the torch to Snickers in 2025.
"Vader slowly embraced retirement once he showed Snickers the ropes of how to help patients."
Today, Snickers has happily stepped into the role. When he isn't greeting patients, he enjoys playing fetch, going on walks, and riding in the front seat of Dr. Bailey's golf cart around Verrado. At the office, though, he's all business—unless someone offers him a snack.
"Snickers definitely has his favorites," Dr. Bailey laughs. "Anyone willing to sneak him a snack instantly becomes his fave."
One of the most memorable stories involving Vader serves as a reminder that healthcare providers never truly know what someone may be carrying with them.
In 2018, the office jokingly asked patients on social media why Vader's "contract" should be renewed. One mother shared that the night before her daughter's appointment, one of her close friends experienced a mental health crisis. Her daughter arrived heartbroken and overwhelmed.
Without anyone directing him, Vader quietly walked over, climbed beside her, and simply stayed close.
"Her mom felt like in that moment, Vader could feel her grief," Dr. Bailey remembers. "We thought this story was so beautiful because you just never know what patients are carrying with them when they walk into our office."
The dogs have also become an important part of the team culture.
"The dogs make the mood in the office very fun," says Dr. Bailey. "They are always excited to see everyone."
That energy is contagious, helping create an atmosphere where patients, parents, and staff all feel more relaxed. It is a reminder that while orthodontics is about creating healthy, confident smiles, it's also about making people feel comfortable every step of the way.
Looking back, Dr. Bailey says both Vader and Snickers have each left their own unique mark.
"Both pups are different in their own way, but both of them are so loving and bring such fun and energy to the office," he says. "It has been a pleasure to have them interact with everyone who comes through the doors at Bailey Orthodontics."
For many families, braces may have been the reason they first walked through the doors, but the kindness they experienced is what they remember years later. Whether it's a reassuring wag of the tail or a quiet moment of comfort, Vader and Snickers have shown that small gestures can make a lasting impact. To learn more about Bailey Orthodontics and its team, visit www.baileyorthodontics.com.
"You just never know what patients are carrying with them when they walk into our office." - Dr. Bailey
"It totally changed this patient's attitude. He really opened up, started talking, and loved spending time with Vader." — Dr. Bailey