Autism Dentist

Specialized Dental Care for Children and Adults

Finding the right dentist for someone with autism requires more than just clinical expertise – it demands understanding, patience, and a truly supportive environment. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating exactly that kind of space. As board-certified dental anesthesiologists, we understand the unique challenges that dental visits can present for individuals with autism, and we’ve developed our practice to address these needs with compassion and clinical excellence.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

Based on 108 reviews

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Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Paul

Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.

Nancy S.

We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.

Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

Expert Dental Care for Patients with Autism

Every person with autism experiences the world differently, which is why we believe in taking the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Our team has created a sensory-sensitive environment where patients can feel safe and understood. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll notice the difference in our approach – from our quiet, calming atmosphere to our patient-centered scheduling that allows for the time and flexibility each person needs.

Understanding Your Dental Care Options

We believe that successful dental care begins with understanding. During your first visit, we’ll take the time to learn about your or your loved one’s specific needs, concerns, and previous dental experiences. This helps us create a personalized approach that considers everything from preferred communication styles to sensory sensitivities. Our goal is to build a foundation of trust that makes future dental care more comfortable and predictable.

Comfortable Sedation Choices for Every Need

As specialists in dental anesthesiology, we offer a complete range of sedation options tailored to each patient’s comfort level and dental care needs. Our minimal sedation provides gentle relaxation while maintaining full awareness – perfect for patients who need just a little extra help staying comfortable. For those who require more support, our moderate sedation offers a deeper state of relaxation with little memory of the procedure. And for comprehensive dental work or patients with high anxiety, our deep sedation ensures complete comfort throughout the entire treatment.

Making Your First Visit Comfortable

We understand that new environments can be challenging for individuals with autism. That’s why we offer pre-visit practice sessions, giving patients the opportunity to become familiar with our office at their own pace. These visits allow you or your loved one to meet our team, explore our treatment rooms, and understand what to expect during dental procedures. We’ve found that this gradual introduction helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence for future dental care.

Our Autism-Friendly Environment

Our practice has been thoughtfully designed with the needs of patients with autism in mind. We maintain quiet, private treatment rooms where patients can feel secure and undisturbed. Our lighting can be adjusted for comfort, and we welcome patients to bring items that help them feel more at ease, whether it’s a weighted blanket or a favorite comfort object. We believe in moving at each patient’s pace, providing clear explanations every step of the way.

The Dental Anesthesia Center Difference

What sets us apart isn’t just our specialized training – it’s our genuine commitment to making dental care accessible and comfortable for everyone. As the St. Louis practice with the first two board-certified dental anesthesiologists, we bring together advanced expertise with a deep understanding of autism-specific needs. Our team stays current with the latest approaches in autism dental care, ensuring we provide the most effective and comfortable treatment possible.

Your Partner in Dental Health

We welcome patients from throughout the St. Louis area who are seeking a dental home that truly understands autism. Whether you’re looking for routine dental care or need more complex treatment, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We take pride in helping patients who may have struggled with traditional dental visits find success and comfort in maintaining their oral health.

We work with many insurance providers and are happy to discuss financial options for your dental care needs.