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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Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.8

Based on 124 reviews

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abc 1.

Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.

Rafe F.

The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

Janel L.

We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.

CATEck

I love this dentist office! Everyone is so friendly and accommodating. Dr. Thoms is an excellent dentist that listens to you and makes sure everything is done to your satisfaction. They do TRUE dental sedation. Not just give you a pill like other offices’s that claim they do sedation. Since I am allergic to medicine a dentist normally uses I have to be truly sedated to have work done on my teeth. They do Botox for teeth grinding and TMJ also

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind 5-star review! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are glad you had a positive experience with our team and services. Your trust means so much to us.

Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting our team. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care. Wishing you and your family all the best!

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.