If you’re looking for a dentist who specializes in caring for adults with autism, we invite you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Finding the right dental care for an adult with autism can be a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Whether your loved one is nonverbal, highly sensitive to sound or touch, or has a history of dental anxiety, we’re here to help.
Here’s what you should look for when choosing a dentist for an autistic adult—and why our practice may be the best choice for your family.
1. Sensory-Friendly Environment
Individuals with autism often experience sensory processing challenges. A visit to a traditional dental office—with its bright lights, loud tools, and unfamiliar smells—can be overwhelming.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide a calm, quiet, and sensory-considerate environment, tailored to reduce anxiety and promote comfort. We encourage caregivers to bring familiar comfort items or noise-canceling headphones if they find them helpful.
2. Experience with Special Needs Dentistry
Not all dentists are trained to work with patients on the autism spectrum. Our doctors, including Dr. Michael Hoffmann, Dr. Sean Thoms, and Dr. Behl, have extensive experience providing dental care to patients with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges.
We don’t just accommodate—we specialize in it.
3. Sedation and General Anesthesia Options
Some autistic adults may not tolerate routine dental care, even with accommodations. That’s where sedation dentistry becomes a safe, effective solution.
We offer:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia is administered on-site
These options allow us to complete complex dental procedures in a single visit—comfortably and safely.
4. Individualized Care Plans
Every patient is different. During your consultation, we’ll learn about your loved one’s specific needs, triggers, and communication preferences. We collaborate with caregivers to build a care plan that supports the individual—not just the dental procedure.
Whether it’s shorter visits, gradual desensitization, or sedation from the start, we’ll find the right path forward together.
5. A Reputation You Can Trust
Choosing a dentist for autistic adults in St. Louis should come with peace of mind. We’re proud to be the first dental facility in Missouri offering hospital-level anesthesia services in-office.
- We are highly reviewed, recommended by local special needs organizations, and trusted by families throughout the region.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
If you need a dentist specializing in comfortable, sedation-based care, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center for expert, compassionate support.