Overcoming Dental Anxiety with Dr. Tasneem Karassi

Описание: We sit down with Dr. Tasneem Karassi of Wellness Family Dentistry to talk about her journey into dentistry, her decision to open a startup practice in Royal Oak, and her passion for patient-centered, whole-body dental care. We start by getting to know Dr. Karassi beyond dentistry, including her long-time love of ceramics and how working with her hands outside the office helps her unwind and stay grounded. That creative background naturally connects to dentistry, a profession that blends precision, artistry, and problem-solving.

We explore how and why she chose Royal Oak as both her home and the location for her practice. After working in several offices across the region, Dr. Karassi knew she wanted to build something from scratch that reflected her own vision. With encouragement from fellow local business owners and the right opportunity opening up, Wellness Family Dentistry was born. She shares how the energy, community, and vibrancy of Royal Oak made it the perfect place to plant roots and grow a practice.

A major focus of our conversation is dental anxiety. We talk about why so many patients feel nervous at the dentist and how trust, communication, and time are the most important tools in overcoming that fear. Dr. Karassi explains how her office prioritizes education, visual tools, and a calm, spa-like environment to remove the mystery from dental care. From aroma therapy to noise-canceling headphones, everything is designed to make patients feel safe, heard, and unrushed.

We also dive into dental insurance and affordability, including options for patients without insurance. Dr. Karassi outlines her one-time new patient special and the Wellness Family Plan, a membership model that focuses on preventive care and transparency rather than insurance limitations.

One of the most impactful parts of the conversation centers on airway dentistry and sleep apnea. We discuss how sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed, how it affects the entire body, and how dentists can play a key role in identifying and treating it. Dr. Karassi explains mandibular advancement devices as a non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines and shares real-life examples of how proper diagnosis can dramatically improve patients’ quality of life.

We wrap up by talking about pediatric dental care, the importance of starting children early, and how lifelong habits are formed. Dr. Karassi shares how her curiosity and conversations during a two-year gap period ultimately led her into dentistry, a profession she now uses to combine health, wellness, aesthetics, and community impact.

Wellness Family Dentistry Website– https://wellnessfamilydentistry.co

(00:00) Intro
(00:20) Welcome to the ROCC Pod
(00:49) Ceramics, Creativity, and Dentistry
(01:53) Starting a Dental Practice from Scratch
(04:24) Understanding and Treating Dental Anxiety
(08:46) Dental Insurance, Membership Plans, and Costs
(10:30) Airway Dentistry and Sleep Apnea
(15:57) Pediatric Dental Care and Starting Kids Early
(18:24) Finding Passion in Dentistry
(20:33) Joining the Royal Oak Chamber
(21:14) Fishbowl Question & Fun Wrap-Up
(22:41) How to Contact Wellness Family Dentistry

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/