At Kids Tooth Team, we make it our goal to provide high-quality dental care to every child. That’s why our team specializes in treating kids with special needs. At our office, your child can always get the care they need from an experienced pediatric dentist. We provide compassionate care for families at our Lake Orion office.
Special needs dentistry refers to the practice of treating children who have cognitive or physical disabilities that may make traditional pediatric dentistry difficult.
For example, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory issues may feel nervous or panicked due to the sights and sounds of a dental office. The treatment of children with disabilities and at-risk medical conditions also falls into special healthcare needs dentistry.
We'll take any necessary special steps and precautions to treat kids with cardiac or respiratory issues, and developmental or sensory processing disorders. Special needs dentistry can be used to accommodate these needs, and ensure that the child feels at ease and safe during treatment.
We create a customized treatment plan for every child with special needs at our office. Our team will consult with you and discuss your child’s unique situation and needs, and take steps to make them feel more comfortable at our office. We greatly appreciate it when parents fill out the medical history online prior to coming into the office so that we can review and plan for your child’s special needs prior to meeting them for the first visit.
Every child with special healthcare needs is an individual, so we rely on parents and guardians to help us create an ideal environment for them by letting us know their likes and dislikes before coming into the office. We also have several videos of the office available that we would recommend showing your child ahead of time so that they know what to expect and can see the office before coming in.
Not sure what to expect if you come to our office for special needs dentistry? Here’s an overview of the treatment process:
To begin, we'll schedule a consultation with you and your child to meet your doctor and discuss your child’s specific needs. We'll discuss their medical history, medications, and other information that may be relevant. We would also be happy to offer a teledentistry consultation with you and your child with special healthcare needs over video before coming into the office. We understand that it isn’t always easy to come in, so we are happy to accommodate you in this way as well.
We will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your child. We will also lay out the steps that we will take to keep them feeling safe and comfortable. If your child has sensory processing sensitivity, for example, we will plan to have the lights turned low, noise cancelling headphones ready, their favorite movie set up and ready to go, and will work to minimize any distractions in the room. No matter what special needs your child may have, we’re here to help.
Once we’ve developed your child’s treatment plan, their doctor will provide them with the dental care they need for a bright, healthy smile! With regular appointments at our office, your child can avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and more. In some cases, children with special healthcare needs are eligible for more frequent exams or cleaning appointments, which can be great to continue helping with the desensitization process of visiting the dentist.
We’re different because we have years of experience accommodating special needs patients and Dr. Kasey has completed two separate residency programs that have focused on care for special healthcare needs populations. Dr. Kasey, and our entire team, loves meeting every child, finding out more about what makes them unique, and developing a treatment plan that’s perfect for their needs.
Unlike some other pediatric dentists, we provide you with the opportunity to have a consultation with your child's doctor in person or through video conference before your appointment, and we deliver truly customized care for special needs patients.
Our office has plenty of child-friendly amenities, and we use the latest dental tools and technology to provide high-quality dental care. We offer a variety of sedation options, as well as drill-less and micro-invasive dentistry techniques that are ideal for children with special needs.
Absolutely. We believe that a parent or guardian’s presence can play an important role in creating a positive dental experience for a child. At Kids Tooth Team - Michigan, parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay with their child throughout the appointment if that feels helpful and reassuring.
For many children, especially those with special needs or heightened anxiety, having a familiar and trusted person nearby can significantly reduce stress and fear. Your presence helps create a sense of safety and continuity, which can make it easier for your child to relax and cooperate during care.
We also recognize that every family is different. Some children feel more confident and independent when a parent is close, while others may do better when they are gently encouraged to interact directly with the dental team.
Our approach is flexible and guided by what works best for your child. We will always communicate openly with you to determine the most supportive arrangement, and we respect your instincts as a parent.
By staying with your child, you can help us better understand their communication style, triggers, and comfort strategies. You know your child best, and your insights allow us to tailor our approach in real time.
Whether it is holding a hand, offering calming words, or simply being a reassuring presence in the room, your involvement is valued. Our goal is to work together as a team so your child’s dental visit feels predictable, respectful, and emotionally safe from start to finish.
Children with sensory sensitivities often experience dental visits differently, and we take that seriously. Sounds, lights, textures, and unfamiliar sensations can feel overwhelming, which is why we are intentional about creating an environment that can be adjusted to meet each child’s sensory needs.
At Kids Tooth Team - Michigan, we do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we take time to understand what your child finds calming or distressing and adapt the visit accordingly. Our office offers features designed to reduce overstimulation, such as dimmable lighting and noise-reducing headphones to soften the sounds of dental equipment.
We also move at a pace that is comfortable for your child, using slow introductions to tools and procedures so nothing feels sudden or surprising. When appropriate, we use distraction techniques, visual supports, or short breaks to help your child stay regulated and engaged throughout the appointment.
Dr. Kasey Stark has extensive experience working with children who benefit from a calm, low-stress environment. Our nautical-themed office was designed to feel welcoming and soothing, balancing playful elements with a peaceful atmosphere.
We also prioritize clear, gentle communication so children know what to expect at each step. By respecting sensory boundaries and offering thoughtful accommodations, we aim to make dental care more accessible, positive, and empowering for children with sensory sensitivities.
Difficulty sitting still is very common, particularly for young children and those with neurodiverse needs. We understand that expecting a child to remain perfectly still can be unrealistic and stressful, so our team approaches this challenge with patience and flexibility. At Kids Tooth Team - Michigan, we focus on meeting children where they are, rather than forcing them into uncomfortable expectations.
Our dental team is trained in behavior guidance techniques that emphasize respect, encouragement, and clear communication. We explain procedures in simple, age-appropriate language and use visual cues to help children understand what is happening.
Positive reinforcement is a key part of our approach, helping children feel proud of their efforts rather than pressured by their limitations. We also structure appointments thoughtfully, breaking care into manageable steps and allowing for movement or short pauses when needed.
For some children, additional support may be appropriate. We offer a range of sedation options, including nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which can help children feel more relaxed while remaining awake and responsive.
In cases where deeper sedation is recommended, it is administered safely and with careful consideration of your child’s medical history and needs. Our priority is always your child’s physical safety and emotional well-being. We aim to complete necessary treatment while minimizing stress and preserving trust, so future visits feel less intimidating and more familiar.
Thoughtful preparation can make a significant difference in how your child experiences their dental appointment. We encourage families to begin talking about the visit ahead of time using calm, positive language that matches your child’s level of understanding. Avoiding surprises and setting clear expectations can help reduce anxiety and increase cooperation.
For some children, it may be helpful to describe the visit step by step, emphasizing that the dental team is there to help keep their teeth healthy . Visual supports can be especially effective. Social stories, visual schedules, or photos of Dr. Kasey Stark and our Michigan office can help your child become familiar with what they will see and who they will meet.
Rehearsing elements of the visit at home, such as sitting back in a chair or opening their mouth, can also build confidence. Every child is different, so preparation should be tailored to what your child finds reassuring and motivating.
We welcome parents to reach out to our team before the appointment for personalized guidance. You can call us at (248) 422-0555 to discuss your child’s needs, sensitivities, and strengths.
In some cases, scheduling a brief “get-to-know-you” visit can be very helpful. Simply having your child walk into our office, meet our friendly team, and explore the space without any treatment can build familiarity and trust. Our goal is to partner with you so your child feels supported and prepared every step of the way.
Special needs care for kids is not just a service we offer, it’s a commitment we’ve made to families in our local community. At Kids Tooth Team - Michigan, every child is met with patience, expertise, and genuine kindness. By creating an environment that values understanding, flexibility, and collaboration, we help ensure that smiles can grow in the most supportive setting possible.
Proudly serving patients in Lake Orion and the surrounding communities.
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1110 N Leroy St Fenton, MI 48430
Grand Opening: February 17th
Same exceptional pediatric dental care you trust, now closer to home. Our Fenton team is ready to make your child's dental experience comfortable, fun, and stress-free.
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