Message to Parents
“My absolute favorite part of what I do is caring for children with special needs and kids who are extremely anxious. We often bring them back once or twice a month just to gently desensitize them and help them feel safe in the dental setting, and there is nothing better than that breakthrough moment when a child who once wouldn’t let us near them suddenly leaves with a smile. I know how many challenges and stresses these families carry, and if I can take even the stress of a dental visit off their plate, I consider that a huge win.”
Special Needs & Anxiety-Friendly Pediatric Dental Care
How We Support Unique Needs and Make Dental Visits Easier
Our practice is specially trained and genuinely honored to care for children with special healthcare needs, developmental differences, sensory sensitivities, behavioral challenges, and medical complexities. Every child deserves a dental home where they feel safe, respected, and welcomed exactly as they are—and we take that to heart.
How We Help Make Dental Visits Easier
We know that “just going to the dentist” is not simple for every family. That’s why we build in multiple layers of support:
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Pre-visit planning: We encourage parents to call us ahead of time to share diagnoses, triggers, sensory preferences, and communication needs. This helps us tailor the visit before you even walk through the door.
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Desensitization & “happy visits”: For some children, we schedule short, low-pressure visits once or twice a month to gently build comfort—riding in the chair, meeting the team, or just exploring the space at their own pace.
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Sensory-friendly adjustments: We can dim lights, reduce noise, limit the number of people in the room, and move slowly, step-by-step. Kids are welcome to bring headphones, comfort items, or visual supports.
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Behavior guidance techniques: Our doctors use “tell-show-do,” positive reinforcement, visual explanations, and clear, predictable routines to reduce fear and build trust.
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Parent partnership: You know your child best. We listen to your input, invite you to stay involved, and adjust our approach based on what works for your child that day—not what “should” work.
For some children, we may also discuss sedation options or hospital-based care when appropriate and safe. These decisions are always made thoughtfully and collaboratively, with careful review of your child’s medical history and needs.
Above all, our goal is simple: to be a dental home where your child is accepted exactly as they are, and where you feel supported—not judged. If you’re unsure whether we can accommodate your child’s needs, please reach out. We’re more than happy to talk through specifics and create a plan together.
Dr. Lindsay Maples
Dr. Lindsey Maples completed her Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Children’s Wisconsin, where she gained extensive experience treating anxious, sensory-sensitive, and special-needs children, as well as medically complex patients. Her training focused heavily on behavior guidance, desensitization, and adapting care to each child’s developmental and emotional needs. As a mom of three, she also deeply understands the restless nights parents have when their little ones need extra attention, reassurance, or time—which is why she approaches every family with empathy, patience, and genuine care.
Dr. Natalie Smith
Caring for a Wide Range of Needs
In our practice, we regularly care for children with many different needs and backgrounds. We know that “special needs” can mean a lot of things, and we want parents to feel reassured that they’re not alone—and that their child is truly welcome here, exactly as they are.
Some of the children we commonly care for include those with:
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Autism spectrum and sensory processing differences
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ADHD and other attention or behavior-related challenges
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Significant dental or medical anxiety
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Past traumatic or difficult dental/medical experiences
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Down syndrome and other genetic conditions
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Neurologic or developmental delays
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Cardiac, oncology, and other medically complex conditions
We also see many children who may not have a formal diagnosis but struggle with things like loud sounds, new environments, transitions, or being touched. If your child has big feelings, a strong gag reflex, difficulty sitting still, or simply “doesn’t do well” at medical appointments, you are still in the right place.
As a locally owned pediatric practice in Nocatee / Ponte Vedra, we have the flexibility to slow down, adjust, and get creative. Some days your child may be able to do more; other days, less—and that’s okay. We understand that progress is not always linear, and we celebrate small wins just as much as big ones.
What matters most to us is that:
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Your child feels safe and respected
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You feel supported and heard as a parent
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Together, we can build trust over time and protect your child’s oral health in a way that honors their unique needs
Our entire team is trained to approach each child with patience, flexibility, and genuine compassion—because caring for children with different needs isn’t “extra” to us; it’s an important part of who we are as a pediatric dental home.
What to expect at your visit
Before the Visit
If your child has special needs, we encourage you to call us before your appointment so we can plan together. You’re welcome to share:
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Your child’s diagnosis or medical history (as much as you’re comfortable)
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Sensory preferences or triggers (lights, sounds, textures, touch)
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Communication style (verbal, nonverbal, devices, signs, etc.)
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What has worked well—or not so well—at previous dental or medical visits
When helpful, we can:
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Schedule quieter times of day
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Allow extra time so your child isn’t rushed
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Offer a “happy visit” or desensitization visit just to see the office, ride in the chair, or meet the team before doing any treatment
During the Visit
During the appointment, we focus on:
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Going at your child’s pace—we can stop, pause, or break tasks into smaller steps
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Using clear, calm, predictable language and visual cues
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Allowing comfort items and support people in the room
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Adjusting lights, sounds, and the number of people present, when possible
We celebrate small wins and look at progress over perfection. For some children, we may also talk with you about additional support options, including behavior guidance techniques and, when appropriate, sedation options. Any such conversation is handled carefully, with a full review of risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Working With Your Child’s Medical Team
For medically complex children, our doctors often:
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Coordinate with pediatricians, specialists, and therapists
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Review relevant medical records and medications
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Adapt treatment plans and timing to align with your child’s overall health
Our goal is to be part of your child’s larger care team, not separate from it.
Above all, we want your child to have a dental home where they are welcomed, understood, and never rushed. If you’re unsure whether we can accommodate your child’s needs, please call—we’re more than happy to talk it through and create a plan together.
