Dental Anesthesiology Becomes the 10th Dental Specialty Recognized by ADA

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On March 11, 2019, the National Commission determined that the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists meets the “Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties.”

Dental Anesthesiology St. Louis
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.
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!
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.
The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!
Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

In September 2018, the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists submitted an application to the National Commission. In February 2019, the review committee considered all of the information to see if dental anesthesiology met all the requirements for specialty recognition. Finally, at it’s meeting on March 11, the National Commission granted official recognition to dental anesthesiology as a dental specialty.

What is a Dental Specialty

According to the ADA, a dental specialty is a particular “area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards as meeting the specified Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialties.”

In order to qualify for specialty recognition, a sponsoring organization has to meet the 6 requirements specified by the “Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties.” They have to be able to prove that they are a distinct and well-defined field that requires unique knowledge and skills beyond the common ones that dental school graduates possess. In addition, they have to prove that their field requires advanced knowledge and skills and that it scientifically contributes new research and knowledge in both the profession and field.

What are the Other 9 Dental Specialties?

Dental anesthesiology joins the following 9 dental specialties:

  • Dental Public Health
  • Endodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Oral Medicine and Pathology
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics

These dental specialties are recognized to protect the public, nurture the art of science in dentistry, and improve the quality of care.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

We are a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities can benefit from these services.

Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms completed residencies in hospital dentistry and dental anesthesiology. Both are the first two Dental Anesthesiologist board certified in Deep Sedation in the state of Missouri.

Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Updated: March 28, 2025

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