About our practice
Meet Your Lakewood Children’s Dental Team
A space-themed children’s dental and orthodontic practice in Lakewood, CO, built around gentle care since 2011.
Our story
A practice built around kids, from the ground up
Since 2011, Shining Stars Kids Dentistry has cared for the children of Lakewood, CO from an office designed entirely for them. From the space theme on the walls to the words we choose in the chair, every detail answers one question: how do we help a child feel safe enough to relax, and happy enough to want to come back?
We are a general dental practice focused completely on kids, with in-house orthodontics as they grow. That means your child can keep one trusted dental home from their very first tooth through braces without starting over somewhere new. Families tell us that continuity is what turns nervous first visits into easy checkups year after year.
- One dental home, first tooth to bracesGeneral dentistry and orthodontics under one roof so your child never has to start over with a new team.
- Space-themed for a reasonEvery detail in the office is designed to spark imagination and turn dental visits into adventures.
- Serving Lakewood since 2011More than a decade of trusted care for the families in our community.
How we practice
Gentle, Patient, and Transparent
Our philosophy is simple enough to fit in a sentence: we take dentistry at your child’s pace, so they want to come back instead of fearing the next visit.
We go at their pace
Treatment moves at your child’s speed. If they need a slower exam, a practice run, or simply time to warm up, that’s the plan.
No stabilization, ever
Nobody is held down for treatment here. If care can’t happen safely and kindly today, we adjust the plan and try another day.
Parents always welcome
You know your child best. You are welcome beside the chair at every visit — we genuinely encourage it.
Your child’s doctors
Three Doctors, One Gentle Mission
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof, with a team your child can grow up with.
Dr. Lawrence Musanje
Children's Dentistry
Dr. Lawrence Musanje attended dental school at Wuhan University in China and completed his PhD in dental filling materials at the University of Hong Kong. He then attended the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2008. Dr. Musanje is dedicated to establishing a cheerful and caring dental home that children enjoy visiting, and to helping all his patients overcome dental anxiety. He is a strong believer that excellent oral health is the key to everyone’s overall health and well-being. His gentle nature and years of dental training create a welcoming environment for every patient. He has practiced in the Lakewood area since June 2011.
Read full bio →Dr. Laya Bahrani
Children's Dentistry
Dr. Laya Bahrani graduated from Case Western Reserve University before receiving her dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry in 2020. She understands the importance of keeping up with the latest materials, procedures and findings in the world of dentistry. Dr. Bahrani has been serving the Colorado community since 2021. Her goal is to educate her patients to care for their oral health and overall systemic health, to provide treatment at the highest standard of care, and to create an environment where patients feel comfortable and cared for.
Read full bio →Dr. Dafne Ellis
Orthodontics
Dr. Dafne Ellis is a dedicated orthodontist serving the Lakewood, Colorado community. Originally from San Juan, Argentina, her passion for dentistry was sparked at an early age by the positive impact of her own orthodontic experience.
Read full bio →
Caring for Lakewood families
A Dental Home for Every Child
We believe a children’s dental office should feel like an open door. That is why we accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHP+, offer CareCredit, and keep no-insurance specials like our tiered cleaning pricing and a free initial exam for children under 18 months. Cost should never be the reason a child misses the dentist.
Lakewood is home, and we show up for it. Learn more about how we stay involved on our community page.
Come See What Gentle Dentistry Feels Like
The best way to understand our approach is to experience it. Bring your child in for a first visit and watch what happens when a dental office moves at their speed.