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Meet Our Team

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We Are Here for You

At Kids Tooth Team, we’ve created an environment where children love to visit, our doctor loves to practice, and our team members love to work. “Team” is in our name for a reason - we all work together to create an exceptional, kid-friendly dental experience. We are dedicated to providing individualized, expert care and are committed to going above and beyond to accommodate your needs. It is our goal to ensure you and your little one feel confident and informed every step of the way. We are here for you, so if you ever have any questions or if there is anything we can do to make your experience more enjoyable, don’t hesitate to let us know.

What is Kids Tooth Team?

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Kids Tooth Team Pediatric Dentistry started in 2019 in Buda, Texas. Over the last few years, the founders Dr. Alex and Tim Otto are proud to have grown to 3 locations throughout the greater Austin area. In 2023, with the help of Dr. Kasey, a native Michigander and close friend of Dr. Alex and Tim, Kids Tooth Team expanded to Michigan. Kids Tooth Team is very honored to help bring exceptional pediatric dental care to your community and serve this children and families in the greater Lake Orion area.

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Get to Know Dr. Kasey

Raised in the Flint metro area and an esteemed graduate of Flint Powers High School, Dr. Kasey Stark is a testament to dedication and excellence. She was selected for the prestigious Accelerated Seven-Year Dental Program at the University of Detroit Mercy right out of high school. While in her undergraduate studies, she was also captain of the Detroit Mercy Dance Team. She secured her Bachelor of Science and further honed her dental acumen at the renowned University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

Seeking advanced specialization, Dr. Kasey journeyed to Anchorage, Alaska, where she undertook an intensive two-year residency at the NYU Langone Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Residency Program. Beyond her formal education, Alaska offered her unparalleled experience, as she educated pediatric dental residents as a faculty member at the Alaska Medical Center and contributed significantly to the Alaska Cleft Lip and Palate Program. These enriching years in Alaska have imbued Dr. Kasey with a unique set of skills in pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Kasey met Dr. Alex of Kids Tooth Team, Texas while in residency. Together, they have expanded Kids Tooth Team to Michigan. Kids Tooth Team, Lake Orion is a clinic designed around the needs of your kiddos, ensuring they receive gentle, state-of-the-art care in a welcoming environment.

Beyond her clinical commitments, Dr. Kasey balances a wholesome life enriched with outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing. As a lifelong dancer and former teacher at DeCamp's Spotlight School of Dance in Burton, she remains deeply connected to the local community and is happy to call Lake Orion home. She is also an intermittent faculty member at the Children's Hospital of Michigan's Dental Residency Program, where she teaches residents. Alongside her husband Chase (also a distinguished dentist), their daughter Penny, and their loyal 180 lb. Mastiff, Lebowski, Dr. Kasey is incredibly excited to take pediatric dentistry in Michigan to a whole new level.

A dedicated member of the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and both the Michigan Pediatric Dental and Dental Associations, Dr. Kasey is passionately committed to ensuring that the children of Michigan receive the very best in dental care. Entrust your child's smile to a dentist who truly understands our community, care, and excellence.

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Get to Know Dr. Ian

Born in the Caribbean paradise of Puerto Rico, but raised in Sunny South Florida, it’s easy to see how Dr. Ian Rodriguez brings the light to any room. His charisma and passion help in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for your kiddos. 

Dr. Ian began his academic career at the University of Central Florida, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology with a minor in Biomedical Sciences. From there, he went on to complete dental school in Utah, at the Roseman University College of Dental Medicine. While there, Dr. Ian used his previous summer youth camp counseling experience to better manage the care of the pediatric patients he got to meet. After these experiences, he re-discovered his passion of working with kiddos and decided to pursue a speciality program here in Michigan! While completing his residency program at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, he met Dr. Kasey. It was there that Dr. Kasey discovered that Dr. Ians principles aligned with those of Kid’s Tooth Team!

When out of office, Dr. Ian enjoys his time hiking, camping, and hitting the slopes to snowboard. He also enjoys setting up Sunday football events, lighting up the grill and watching the Lions play alongside his fiance Daisy (who is also a dentist!) and two dogs, Bruno the Berner and Nala. 

He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 

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Why We Love Dr. Kasey

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Dr. Kasey was raised in the Flint metro area, and graduated as an esteemed student from Flint Powers High School before being selected for the prestigious Accelerated Seven-Year Dental Program at University of Detroit Mercy.

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After securing her Bachelor of Science, Dr. Kasey earned her DDS at the renowned University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

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After completing dental school, Dr. Kasey journeyed to Anchorage, Alaska, where she went on to complete a two-year residency at the NYU Langone Dental Medicine Postdoctoral Residency Program in Pediatric Dentistry.

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Dr. Kasey continued to gain experience beyond her formal education as a faculty member at the Alaska Medical Center, where she made significant contributions to the Alaska Cleft Lip and Palate Program. She is currently an intermittent faculty member with the Children's Hospital of Michigan's Dental Residency Program.

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Dr. Kasey is proud to be a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Board certification is the highest form of education in the field of pediatric dentistry and requires additional years of study and training, as well as the completion of a rigorous multi-part examination process. It's a promise of Dr. Kasey's dedication to excellence and commitment to providing her patients with the best care available.

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Dr. Kasey Stark is a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

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Dr. Kasey Stark is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association.

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In addition to her national affiliations, Dr. Kasey Stark is also a dedicated member of the Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Michigan Dental Association.

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Dr. Kasey Stark is Board Certified with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

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Dr. Alex is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists. The ACD is the oldest major honorary society for dentists, and members are inducted based on exemplified excellence through outstanding leadership and contributions to dentistry and society. Less than 3.5% of dentists are honored with the invitation to be a Fellow in the American College of Dentists.

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Outside of the office, Dr. Kasey enjoys a wholesome life filled with outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A lifelong dancer and former teacher at DeCamp's Spotlight School of Dance in Burton, she has always retained a deep connection to the local community and is overjoyed to call Lake Orion her home alongside her husband Chase (also a distinguished dentist), their daughter Penny, and their loyal 180 lb. Mastiff, Lebowski.

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Hospital Affiliations

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Meet the Lake Orion Team

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Dr. Kasey

Co-Founder

Dr. Kasey and Dr. Alex met during their time at the Alaska Medical Center. With similar values and a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-and-parent-focused pediatric dental care, they founded Kids Tooth Team Michigan together.

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Dr. Alex

Co-Founder

As co-founder of Kids Tooth Team, Dr. Alex’s goal was to create a pediatric dental office unlike any other. At Kids Tooth Team we strive to create an environment where kids love to visit, doctors love to practice, and team members love to work!

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Tim Otto

Co-Founder

Tim and Dr. Alex co-founded Kids Tooth Team together in a hope to create the most well-run and well-loved pediatric dental office you've ever seen!  Tim enjoys helping out with the business side of the practice.  In his spare time he can be found racing cars, climbing mountains, and hanging out with his wonderful family.

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Dr. Ian Rodriguez

Associate Pediatric Dentist

Born in the Caribbean paradise of Puerto Rico, but raised in Sunny South Florida, it’s easy to see how Dr. Ian Rodriguez brings the light to any room. His charisma and passion help in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for your kiddos. 

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Zoe

Director of First Impressions

Hi I’m Zoe! I am the Director of First Impressions here at Kids Tooth Team. I was born and raised in North Carolina and moved to Michigan in 2019. I love spending time with the love of my life Kyle and our fur babies; Leo the dog and Luna the cat. I also love reading in my spare time. I have a collection of over 100 books in my personal library! Making people feel welcome and smile are my favorite things, so I cannot wait to assist you and meet you!

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Alyssa

RDH

Hi I’m Alyssa! I’m the hygienist at Kids Tooth Team Lake Orion. I graduated from the dental hygiene program at Oakland Community College and I have been a hygienist for over four years now. I recently made the switch over to pediatrics and I’m having so much fun! I love helping kids have a healthy smile. I’m married to my college sweetheart Zach and we live in Grand Blanc. We have two cats that we’ve rescued, Monty and Billie. In my spare time I like to get out and enjoy nature, I love being by the water and also enjoy yoga and reading. Can’t wait to meet you!

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Rachel

Lead Dental Assistant (RDA)

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Lauren

Dental Assistant (RDA)

Bio Coming Soon!

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Ariyana

Dental Assistant (RDA)

My name is Ariyana. I have 3 boys whom are my pride and joy. I grew up in the dental field having a father as a dentist. I always loved caring for others and had a calling to be a realtor first where I learned how to listen to others needs, be adaptable, empathetic, and have patience. In 2020 I made the switch to the dental field and have loved every moment of it. I am now a Registered Dental Assistant and always continuing to further my education. I joined Kids Tooth Team because we strive to always make the children feel as comfortable as possible and know this can be a nerve wracking experience for not only the children but the parents as well. I hope to personally be able to make a change in each and every child I care for. I can’t wait to meet you!

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Brooklyn

Hygiene Assistant (DA)

Hi, I’m Brooklyn! I work alongside Alyssa our hygienist; I have experience working in general dentistry and as an orthodontist assistant. I have always been drawn to the dental field and when I had the chance to join kids tooth team I jumped at the opportunity! Loving the field but also knowing my strong love for children. I plan to continue my education in the dental field, and I am so excited to have found a career I love with an amazing team to work beside. During my free time I enjoy spending time with family, along with staying active by running, snowboarding, and playing pickle ball, my new favorite! I also enjoy cooking and spending time with my GSP dog, Goose!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the difference between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dentists are experts in delivering kid-friendly care! The dental needs of children are different from the needs of adults. A pediatric dentist must complete an additional two years of pediatric-focused training compared to a general dentist - that’s a total of 6 years of education after college. While general dentists can care for a wide age range of patients, pediatric dentists, like Dr. Kasey, focus exclusively on children's dental issues. They undergo extensive training and education to be able to care for little smiles, specifically. A large part of this advanced training is focused on pediatric behavior management techniques that facilitate a comfortable and safe environment for children. This means they can provide more individualized, compassionate, and gentle care for little smiles.

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At what age should my child start seeing the dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended that you schedule your child’s first dental visit once they turn one year old, or whenever their first tooth emerges (whichever comes first). We will be able to check to make sure their oral health is developing properly and answer any questions you may have about how to care for their teeth. But don’t worry, if your child is a bit older and they haven’t visited the dentist yet, the best time to start is now! The earlier they start seeing the dentist, the more familiarized with the process they will become.

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Why Does My Child Need Sedation?

Sedation can be a good option for children who:

  • are anxious about upcoming treatment
  • require a large amount of care, or the dental treatment being performed is complex
  • are unable to safely be treated with minimally invasive options
  • have severe dental anxiety (afraid of needles, drills, etc.)

Dr. Kasey is skilled and experienced in administering sedation for children. They will be completely safe and in expert hands. With a wide variety of sedation options, we’ll be able to meet your child’s needs and keep them comfortable throughout their visit. Sedation is rarely the only option for a child’s treatment, so be assured that Dr. Kasey and the team will go through each and every safe and reasonable treatment option with you before we decide on what is the right choice for your child.

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