Dental Care for Adults with Disabilities and Special Needs

The Dental Anesthesia Center offers a patient-first approach to adults with disabilities, with sedation dentistry, accessibility, and compassionate care.

Accessing quality dental care should be simple for everyone, but for adults with disabilities, it can often feel anything but. At The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) in St. Louis, we believe every patient deserves compassionate, comprehensive care in a safe and supportive environment.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 258 reviews

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cupcakegirl137 J.

I came here with my 18 year old daughter who has an immense fear of Doctors and Dentist , The kindness and understanding without any judgement we received from Dr.Thom was just unbelievable. The work he did on my daughter was life changing for her . I would recommend him to anyone . Just amazing, kind talented Doctor.

anissa F.

We met Dr. Shawn in Sept 2023 and in December, he removed our adult nonverbal son's wisdom teeth. Not gonna hold you, general anesthesia is billed incrementally (by the minute/quarter-hour) and is a heavy financial investment. I love this clinic because it really is a safe space for special needs families. There's a huge calm that accompanies knowing your dependent person is getting healthy. Dr. Shawn is exceptional. We drove 6 hours to get here so we'll choose a local practice for routine sedation cleanings down the road. I hope to see more neurodivergent acceptance built locally in our state's dentistry like this team has here. Meanwhile we are so grateful for this practice and grateful our son was in Dr. Shawn's care.

Joanie M.

Dr. Thoms and Robin are excellent in their care, concern, and support. Dr. Thoms explains everything and takes his time. If I have questions or concerns, he is easy to talk to and listens well.Robin is right there by my side throughout procedures. Her technical skills and professionalism are impressive. She is terrific!

Susan S.

Individualized care, expertise in general anesthesia, and attention to detail are why we keep returning for our son.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in our team! We’re grateful to be part of your family’s care and truly appreciate your confidence in us.

Leslie L.

Omg!! This place is Amazing! The people who work here are so very nice and understanding. I love this team

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have such wonderful patients.

💪 A Specialized Approach to Special Needs Dentistry

General dental practices may not be equipped to meet the physical, emotional, or behavioral needs of adults with disabilities. At DAC, we specialize in sedation and anesthesia dentistry, allowing us to care for patients with a wide range of conditions, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Intellectual disabilities
• Sensory processing disorders
• Physical and mobility impairments

Our entire team is trained to understand each individual’s unique needs. We work directly with caregivers and physicians to create a customized treatment plan prioritizing safety and comfort.

🏫 Hospital-Grade Sedation Dentistry

For many adults with disabilities, traditional dental visits can be overstimulating or even traumatic. DAC is one of the few dental offices in Missouri licensed to provide deep sedation and general anesthesia onsite.

• IV sedation and general anesthesia allow for complete relaxation and pain-free treatment.
• Complex procedures can often be completed in one visit.
• Monitoring equipment ensures the highest level of safety.

This means patients who might otherwise avoid dental care can now receive high-quality treatment without fear or discomfort. 🫰

🚑 Barrier-Free Facilities & Accommodations

Our St. Louis office is fully ADA-compliant and thoughtfully designed for accessibility:

• Wide hallways and doorways for wheelchair access
• Adjustable dental chairs and lifts
• Quiet rooms for patients with sensory sensitivities
• Accommodations for communication aids and interpreters

We also understand that small details matter. From flexible scheduling to pre-visit tours, we aim to reduce stress for both the patient and caregiver.

🙏 Care That Goes Beyond the Procedure

At DAC, we don’t just focus on the treatment – we focus on the person behind the procedure. Our team takes the time to build rapport with patients and caregivers, ensuring everyone feels heard, respected, and cared for.

• We communicate clearly and patiently, using visual aids or caregiver input when helpful.
• Follow-up instructions are simplified and accessible.
• We empower caregivers with knowledge and support for home dental care.

It’s all part of our mission to create a dental experience that is dignified, inclusive, and empowering. 🤝🏼

📱 Schedule Compassionate Dental Care Today

If you’re searching for a dental home that truly understands the needs of adults with disabilities, The Dental Anesthesia Center is here to help. We proudly serve patients from across Missouri, including those who travel long distances for the care they can’t find elsewhere.

📍 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our sedation options, accessibility accommodations, and patient-centered philosophy.

Because everyone deserves to smile with comfort and confidence. ✨😊