Compassionate Care for Children with Developmental, Sensory & Physical Needs
Special needs dentistry is dental care adapted to your child – whether their needs are developmental, sensory, physical, or medical. At Kennedy Dental Care, that means extra time, quieter options, step-by-step pacing, pre-visit tours to get familiar with the office, parents present throughout, and a full range of comfort options when they are needed. All this and more is offered at all four of our Corpus Christi offices, from a team with decades of experience caring for children with autism, sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and mobility needs.
A short conversation when you book – what helps, what does not, what your child loves – lets us plan the appointment around them.
Appointments are scheduled with room to go at your child's pace, with breaks whenever they help.
Ask about calmer appointment times if sounds and bustle are hard for your child.
We explain each step in your child's terms, show the tool, then do the step – no surprises.
You are welcome to be with your child throughout the visit – we will never separate you.
Our therapy dog, Scout, is part of the comfort toolkit for many kids. Ask about him when you book.
Developmental and sensory, physical and mobility, medical complexity – whatever shape your child's needs take, the visit adapts to them.
A sensory-friendly appointment reduces the sensory load of the visit. It includes a quieter time slot, slower pace, fewer people in and out, the chance to touch and see instruments before they are used, headphones or comfort items from home welcome, and a team that reads your child's cues and pauses before pushing.
If your child has been overwhelmed at a dental office before, a sensory-friendly visit is designed to prevent that.
Children with developmental and sensory differences do best when the visit is predictable, unhurried, and communicated their way – and that is how we work. We adapt how we explain (short steps, concrete words, your child's own communication style), respect routines and rituals that help, celebrate small wins, and build trust visit by visit.
Many of our families started with a child who could not sit in the chair and now have a kid who walks in like they own the place. Progress is the goal – perfection is not required.
All four of our offices are fully accessible, our treatment rooms accommodate mobility aids, and our staff is trained to assist patients with mobility challenges.
If your child uses a wheelchair, has motor differences, or needs positioning support, tell us what helps. We'll adapt the setup, the transfers, and the pace to your child's comfort.
Every child deserves dental care that meets them where they are. Since 1969, families across Corpus Christi, Portland, TX, Annaville, Flour Bluff, and Robstown have trusted Kennedy Dental Care with children other offices found “too hard” – and we have never believed such a child exists. Whether your child has autism, sensory processing differences, Down syndrome, a physical disability, or a medical condition that complicates care, we adapt the visit to your child – not the other way around.
55+
Years serving the Coastal Bend
04
Convenient locations
4.9★
Average patient rating
Yes – and we encourage it. Families can schedule a pre-visit tour so your child can meet the team, see the rooms, sit in the chair, and leave before anything dental happens. For many kids, the second visit is easy because the first one asked nothing of them. Just mention it when you call.
Some children need more than patience and pacing – and that is okay. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia are all available at every office, and sedation can be the difference between care happening and care being impossible, including for many children with autism. Our Sedation Dentistry page explains the options, and your child's dentist will recommend the lowest level that genuinely fits.
We accept most insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and CHIP – and our team helps you understand exactly what your child's plan covers before any treatment. Families without coverage can use our membership plan, and when extensive treatment under general anesthesia is medically necessary, coverage often follows. Clear estimates with no surprises.
Book an AppointmentFor children whose health picture makes dental care more involved – medications, conditions, or care teams to coordinate with – we take the history seriously, plan ahead, and keep your child's whole picture in view.
Bring us the details; the more we know, the smoother the visit.
We proudly care for patients with autism, sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and mobility needs – this is core to who we are, not an accommodation we make.
Supported by a team trained in adaptive techniques.
So the right level of support is never a referral away.
A 4.9-star average across 3250+ Google reviews, serving Coastal Bend families since 1969.
Pediatric Dentistry Team
III, M.S., D.D.S.
Dr. Paul Kennedy, known to his patients as “Dr. Paul,” is a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi with a deep passion for improving children's oral health.
He attended Windsor Park Elementary, Baker Middle School, and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Baylor University and a Master of Science from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Dr. Paul completed his dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
Dr. Paul is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the Texas Dental Association (TDA).
Outside of the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Merritt, and their two children.
Kennedy Dental Care holds a 4.9-star average rating across 3,250+ Google reviews – a reflection of the care our team brings to every visit.
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
“I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.”
“Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!”
“Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.”
“I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.”
“The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍”
By adapting the visit to the child: extra time, quieter appointments, step-by-step tell-show-do pacing, communication in the child's own style, parents present throughout, pre-visit tours, and sedation options when they genuinely help. The goal is care that works for your child – not a child who must adjust to the office.
A visit designed to lower the sensory load – a calmer time slot, an unhurried pace, the chance to see and touch instruments first, comfort items from home welcome, and a team that pauses when your child needs a break.
Yes – parents can be present throughout the visit. We will never separate you from your child.
Yes – schedule a pre-visit tour. Your child can meet the team, explore the room, and sit in the chair with nothing dental happening, so the real visit starts on familiar ground.
Yes, when it genuinely helps – from mild nitrous oxide to general anesthesia for extensive treatment. Our Sedation Dentistry and General Anesthesia pages explain the options, and your child's dentist will plan the right level with you.
Look for board-certified pediatric dentists, real experience with autism and sensory needs, a parents-stay policy, pre-visit tours, sedation options in-house, and reviews from families like yours. Then call and ask for additional details – how an office answers your questions tells you a lot. A first low-pressure visit tells you the rest.
Yes – our practice cares for the whole family, and our team welcomes patients with disabilities at every age. Call us to talk through your family member's needs so we can plan the right visit.
Every great visit starts with a conversation. Call us, tell us what helps your child feel safe, and let us plan a visit built around them – at any of our four Corpus Christi offices.
(361) 992-9500
