Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry In Charlotte, NC
- Most major insurance accepted
- NC Medicaid provider
- In-house dental savings plan
- All major credit cards
When your child has unique developmental, physical, or medical needs, finding a dental practice that truly understands can feel like an uphill climb. You deserve a team that sees beyond the diagnosis and recognizes your child as the exceptional individual they are.
At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing differences, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and many other conditions with the same warmth and care we extend to every child who walks through our doors. Since 2014, our pediatric dentists have provided compassionate pediatric care that honors each child’s unique needs, communication preferences, and comfort levels, so we can create a dental experience that works for your whole family.
Gentle, comprehensive dental care for children with flexible payment options for growing families.
How Does Special Needs Dentistry Differ From General Pediatric Care?
Special-needs dentistry focuses on adapting the environment and treatment approach to meet each child’s needs. While all children benefit from gentle, patient-centered care, children with special healthcare needs often require additional considerations.
Our pediatric dentists work closely with you to understand your child’s medical history, behavioral patterns, and sensory sensitivities. We may adjust appointment timing, modify our communication style, or provide extra time for your child to become comfortable with our team. Some children thrive with social stories before their visit, while others do best with quiet spaces and minimal waiting time. We customize our approach based on what helps your child feel safe and supported.
What Conditions Can Benefit From Specialized Pediatric Dental Care?
Children with a wide range of conditions can benefit from the individualized approach our team provides. We regularly care for children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, sensory processing differences, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and developmental delays. Many of these children have unique oral health needs that require thoughtful attention.
Children with certain medical conditions may be taking medications that affect their oral health, or have physical challenges that make daily brushing difficult. Our team can recommend adaptive toothbrushes, demonstrate positioning techniques for parents, and provide preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride applications to protect teeth when home care is challenging.
What Accommodations Does All Kids Pediatric Dentistry Offer?
We believe small adjustments can make a huge difference in your child’s comfort level. Our practice offers flexible scheduling so you can choose appointment times when your child is typically at their best. We can also schedule longer appointments if your child needs more time to process information or adjust to our environment.
Our team welcomes pre-visit consultations where you and your child can meet our pediatric dentists, tour our office, and ask questions without the pressure of a dental procedure. Many families find that these visits help reduce anxiety and build familiarity. We can also provide sensory-friendly modifications, including:
- Dimmed lighting: for children sensitive to bright lights
- Noise-canceling headphones: for children bothered by dental equipment sounds
- Weighted blankets or compression vests: for children who benefit from deep pressure
- Visual schedules or social stories: to help children understand what to expect
- Breaks during treatment: when children need time to regulate
- Fidget tools or comfort items: from home
These accommodations help create a calming environment where your child can feel secure. Our offices in Charlotte, Plaza Midwood, Southwest Charlotte, and Indian Trail/Monroe are equipped to support children with diverse needs.
How Can Parents Prepare Their Child for a Dental Visit?
Preparation starts at home. If your child benefits from visual supports, we can provide a social story or photo sequence showing what happens during a dental visit. Practice opening wide at home and counting teeth together. Let your child know our team understands they may need breaks or have specific preferences about how we approach them.
Be honest with our team about what works for your child. If your child communicates best through gestures, pictures, or a communication device, let us know. If loud noises trigger meltdowns, we’ll plan accordingly. If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or fidget toy that provides comfort, bring it along.
Many parents worry about their child’s behavior during appointments. We want you to know that we’ve worked with countless children who need extra time, frequent breaks, or creative problem-solving approaches. Your child’s comfort and safety are always our top priorities, and we’re never in a rush.
What If My Child Needs Sedation for Dental Treatment?
Some children with special healthcare needs feel more comfortable with sedation dentistry options. We offer several levels of sedation depending on your child’s needs, anxiety level, and the complexity of the treatment.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, provides mild relaxation while allowing your child to remain awake and responsive. For children who need deeper sedation, we discuss options that may help them feel calmer during procedures. Our pediatric dentists will review your child’s medical history thoroughly and work with you to determine the safest, most appropriate approach for their specific situation.
How Does Your Team Handle Dental Emergencies for Children with Special Needs?
Dental emergencies don’t wait for convenient times, and we understand that pediatric dental emergencies can be especially stressful when your child has special healthcare needs. Our team provides prompt care for knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent dental problems.
When you call with an emergency, let us know about your child’s specific needs so we can prepare appropriately. We’ll do everything possible to minimize your child’s discomfort and anxiety while addressing the urgent dental issue.
Schedule Your Child's Appointment at All Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Your child deserves a dental home where they’re welcomed exactly as they are. At All Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we’re committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that helps every child achieve a healthy smile. Our pediatric dentists serve families throughout Charlotte, Plaza Midwood, Southwest Charlotte, and Indian Trail/Monroe with warmth, patience, and genuine respect for each child’s unique journey. We accept virtually all insurance plans, serve Medicaid patients in both North Carolina and South Carolina, and offer a dental savings plan for families without insurance.
Schedule your child’s appointment online to experience the difference compassionate, patient-centered care can make. We look forward to welcoming your family and showing you why families across the Charlotte area trust us with their children’s smiles. All Kids. All Smiles.
If it’s been six months or more since your child’s last dental checkup, then it’s time to contact our practice and schedule an appointment!
Our Convenient Locations
Our Convenient Locations
We Can’t Wait To Meet You
Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
Please use the form below to schedule your appointment with us. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can schedule through our online chat or by calling or texting the office.
