CASE STUDY
A Calming Space for Every Smile
Helping young patients feel at ease during dental check-ups
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
Farmingdale State College recognizes that dental visits can be especially stressful for kids with special needs. They wanted to create an environment that would ease stress for young patients during treatment and train dental students in compassionate care.
The Vision
To create a calming dental space that helps kids feel safe and calm during treatment.
The Challenge
Could a standard clinical examination room be transformed into a soothing space for children while still supporting dental cate? image
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
Step 1: Choosing the Sensory Tools
With care and intention, our skilled design team selected sensory tools that would keep kids engaged and relaxed, shaping a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. Every choice was made with a child’s sense of safety and calm in mind.
Stress Relieving Strands & Color Column
To set the tone, when kids enter the room they’re greeted with a glowing custom-made Light Wall, soothing Fiber Optic Strands on a Swing Arm and a calming Waterless LED Color Column. All these help to relieve stress and promote a feeling of relaxation and tranquility. and releasing restless energy. The SensaSoft™ Platform Trampoline provides additional jumping action, enhancing self-regulation while working on gross motor skills.
Stress Relieving Strands & Color Column
To set the tone, when kids enter the room they’re greeted with a glowing custom-made Light Wall, soothing Fiber Optic Strands on a Swing Arm and a calming Waterless LED Color Column. All these help to relieve stress and promote a feeling of relaxation and tranquility. and releasing restless energy. The SensaSoft™ Platform Trampoline provides additional jumping action, enhancing self-regulation while working on gross motor skills.
Soft, Comfy Seating
Kids can choose their preferred seating as they get comfortable on a SensaSoftTM Squeezie Seat, a SensaSoftTM Cozy Chair or a SensaSoftTM Compression Canoe.They can even receive dental treatment on any seat they get comfortable in!Once they’re seated, they can use a Weighted Disc Blanket for a settled, grounded feeling or tools from our Classroom Break Box® for channeling energy and emotional balance.
Soft, Comfy Seating
Kids can choose their preferred seating as they get comfortable on a SensaSoftTM Squeezie Seat, a SensaSoftTM Cozy Chair or a SensaSoftTM Compression Canoe.They can even receive dental treatment on any seat they get comfortable in!Once they’re seated, they can use a Weighted Disc Blanket for a settled, grounded feeling or tools from our Classroom Break Box® for channeling energy and emotional balance.
Soothing Panels & Sand Table
Our Sensory Activity Panels keep kids engaged and entertained with colorful details and moving parts. The light-up LimeLite™ Sand Table adds a soothing layer of sensory play, encouraging relaxation and focus through gentle, hands-on interaction.
Soothing Panels & Sand Table
Our Sensory Activity Panels keep kids engaged and entertained with colorful details and moving parts. The light-up LimeLite™ Sand Table adds a soothing layer of sensory play, encouraging relaxation and focus through gentle, hands-on interaction.
Hands-on Tools for Focus & Calm
Kids who like to keep their fingers busy will love the Weighted Sensory Knot Ball with its soft, stretchy fabric full of nooks and crannies. They’ll also enjoy our colorful Happy Face Fidget Necklaces; bendable, poppable Sensory Pop Tubes; Gel Hand Exercise Balls for squeezing, massaging and tossing; and stimulating Sensory Mini Mats for a world of textures.
Hands-on Tools for Focus & Calm
Kids who like to keep their fingers busy will love the Weighted Sensory Knot Ball with its soft, stretchy fabric full of nooks and crannies. They’ll also enjoy our colorful Happy Face Fidget Necklaces; bendable, poppable Sensory Pop Tubes; Gel Hand Exercise Balls for squeezing, massaging and tossing; and stimulating Sensory Mini Mats for a world of textures.
These sensory tools create a nurturing environment where kids can relax, explore and unwind in the way that works best for them.
Step 2: Design & Layout
Our team set out to blend calming sensory elements with cheerful, child-centered design to create a space where kids feel relaxed, safe and at ease. The blue color palette reinforces calm and ties the sensory elements together, while durable flooring and clean lines keep the space hygienic and easy to maintain for clinical use. Every element, from the tactile surfaces to the lighting and wall colors, was chosen to promote comfort and self-regulation.soothing and engaging.
The End Result
We are very happy with how it turned out. It is gorgeous, relaxing and very calming.
- Tamara Faure, Farmingdale State College Design…took out all the guesswork and ensured that all the needs we needed to address were included. Amazing relief!
With creativity and care, the Fun and Function team transformed a standard dental clinic into an immersive, sensory-centered environment, replacing anxiety with calm and making every dental treatment an enjoyable, positive experience.
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