Dentistry for Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Providing Pediatric Dental Care in Frisco, McKinney and Prosper, TX
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we believe every child deserves compassionate, individualized dental care in a supportive environment. Our team has specialized training and experience caring for children with a wide range of healthcare needs, including developmental, behavioral, cognitive, and physical differences.
Whether your child is diagnosed with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another condition that makes dental care more complex, our focus is on creating a positive experience for both your child and your family.
Who We Care For
We welcome children with diverse needs, including but not limited to:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Sensory processing differences
- Developmental delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Genetic disorders
- Medically complex conditions
No matter your child’s diagnosis (or if they are undiagnosed), we take the time to understand their unique needs and tailor every aspect of care accordingly.
A Customized Approach to Dental Visits
We know the dental office can feel overwhelming for some children. That is why we take a flexible, individualized approach to every appointment.
Here are a few ways we make dental visits more comfortable:
- Scheduling appointments at times that work best for your child’s routine
- Providing a calm, sensory-considerate environment
- Using visual schedules, tell-show-do techniques, and communication tools
- Welcoming comfort items, preferred music, or caregiver guidance
- Offering sedation or general anesthesia when appropriate
Our goal is to help your child feel safe, understood, and empowered during every visit.
Supporting Neurodivergent Children
Children who are neurodivergent, such as those with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities, may have unique oral health needs or experience challenges with brushing, flossing, or attending appointments. We understand these challenges and are here to help you navigate them.
Some neurodivergent children may:
- Forget or resist daily brushing
- Be more sensitive to tastes, textures, or sensations
- Experience anxiety about unfamiliar environments or transitions
- Have changes in appetite due to medication, including reduced daytime eating followed by intense hunger or binge eating later in the day, which can increase cavity risk
In addition, certain ADHD medications can contribute to dry mouth, which may increase the risk of cavities or gum problems. Learn more about how ADHD medications can affect your child’s dental health.
We work with families to develop personalized home care routines and support strategies, always with patience and encouragement.
Helpful Tips for Home Dental Care
Dental routines can be tricky for some children, especially when sensory sensitivities, motor challenges, or attention differences are involved. Here are a few ideas to make brushing and flossing more manageable (and even fun):
- Use visual checklists or routines to support consistency
- Let your child choose their toothbrush or toothpaste (unflavored options are available)
- Try brushing to music or during bath time to make it more enjoyable
- Consider adaptive tools like floss picks or electric toothbrushes
- Break the task into steps, with breaks if needed
Need help finding the right tools or strategies? Ask us, we are happy to provide some guidance.
Preparing for Your Child’s Dental Visit
We know that no two children are the same, and we welcome your input every step of the way.
Please share:
- What helps your child feel calm or safe
- Any preferred words, visuals, or communication tools
- Specific sensitivities, triggers, or comfort strategies
- What has worked well in other settings (medical or non-medical)
We are also happy to provide a pre-visit tour, visuals, or social stories to help your child become familiar with our office and staff.
You can also download our Autism Dental Guide for practical tips on preparing for a successful visit.
Sedation Options When Needed
Some children benefit from additional support during treatment, especially if they experience anxiety, have difficulty sitting still, or require extensive dental work. We offer several safe and effective sedation options right here in our office:
- Minimal sedation (nitrous oxide): Also known as laughing gas, this helps your child feel calm while staying fully awake.
- Moderate sedation (oral sedation): A prescribed liquid or pill taken before the appointment to help your child relax more deeply.
- Deep sedation (IV sedation): Administered by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist in our office, this option provides hospital-level monitoring and care while your child sleeps comfortably throughout the procedure.
Our team will help you decide which option is best for your child’s needs, comfort, and safety.
Learn More About Dental Sedation
We Are Here for Your Family
If your child requires additional support, accommodations, or has complex needs, we are ready to meet them with patience, flexibility, and kindness. We are proud to partner with families and caregivers to make dental care accessible and successful for every child.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, TX call (214) 618-5200 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, TX call (214) 618-5200 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 6801 Warren Parkway, Suite 115, Frisco, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402 or complete the online contact form. We are located at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10, Prosper.