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.

autism dentist st louis
What a wonderful, knowledgeable, caring staff. Excellent care given to our 26 year old special needs son. They made everything so easy and kept me updated through the whole visit. Would highly recommend.
Dr.Hoffmann thank you so much for making everything smooth and easy your staff was awesome for it to be so early in the morning all smiles and nice facility. They make you feel comfortable and explain everything to you as they go. I will refer you to my family and friends thank you again.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and that everything felt smooth and comfortable for you. We truly appreciate your kind words and your willingness to recommend our office to family and friends! 😊
This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.
Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. And we’re glad you enjoyed the stylish shades too! 😎 We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!

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.

Call Us Today

The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

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