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Helping Parents Prepare Special Needs Kids for the Dentist

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand these concerns deeply. We aim to make each dental visit safe, comforting, and positive for your child.

For many families, a trip to the dentist can be a routine checkup. But for parents of children with special needs, it can feel more like preparing for a marathon. From sensory sensitivities to anxiety and communication challenges, many factors can make dental visits overwhelming for both kids and caregivers.

Tips for Healthy Teeth
I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.

My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.

Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.

I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
We always receive excellent care at the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We truly appreciate your trust in our team and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care.
Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

🧠 Understand Your Child’s Needs

No two children are alike, especially in special needs dentistry. Start by evaluating:

  • Sensory sensitivities (lights, sounds, textures)
  • Communication preferences (verbal, nonverbal, visual aids)
  • Anxiety triggers (waiting rooms, masks, tools)
  • Physical or medical conditions that require accommodations

➡️ Tip: Record past dental experiences and share them with our dental team in advance. This allows for better preparation and a more customized visit.

🗓️ Plan Ahead: Set Expectations Early

Children with special needs often thrive on predictability and structure. Help reduce stress by:

  • Talking through the visit several days in advance
  • Using visual schedules or social stories to show each step
  • Watching child-friendly videos about dental visits
  • Reading books like “Going to the Dentist” together

➡️ Pro Parent Tip: Create a “First-Then” chart (e.g., “First the dentist, then a favorite reward”).

🧸 Bring Comfort Items and Support Tools

The visit will feel more like a safe space by packing:

  • A favorite toy, weighted blanket, or fidget
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • A comforting playlist or guided breathing app
  • Chewable jewelry or oral sensory aids

➡️ Empower your child by letting them choose which items to bring—it gives them a sense of control.

💬 Talk to the Dental Team in Advance

Choosing a dental office experienced in special needs care, like DAC, can make all the difference. Call ahead to:

  • Discuss your child’s needs and preferences
  • Share your behavioral or sensory strategies
  • Ask about quiet waiting areas or first appointment slots
  • Schedule a pre-visit tour or meet-and-greet if possible

➡️ At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our team is trained in special needs accommodations, sedation dentistry, and compassionate care.

dental sleep st louis

🧑‍⚕️ Consider Sedation Options If Needed

Sedation dentistry may be the safest and most effective route if your child cannot tolerate traditional dental care. Options include:

  • Oral sedation for mild anxiety
  • IV sedation for moderate to severe challenges
  • General anesthesia for complete comfort during extensive procedures

➡️ We’ll help you choose the right approach in a judgment-free consultation.

💖 Celebrate Every Win—Big or Small

A successful visit doesn’t mean perfection. Celebrate:

  • Sitting in the chair
  • Allowing the dentist to look inside the mouth
  • Tolerating the sound of the tools
  • Staying calm—even for just a few minutes

➡️ Positive reinforcement builds confidence and paves the way for smoother visits.

🤝 We’re Here for You—and Your Child

Every child deserves safe, gentle, and respectful dental care at The Dental Anesthesia Center. Our entire team is trained to support families with:

  • Autism
  • Down syndrome
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Behavioral or developmental delays
  • Medically complex conditions

We offer sedation and sleep dentistry in a nurturing, family-centered environment. 🏥

📞 Schedule Your First Visit Today

Let us help you prepare together for a stress-free and successful dental visit.

📍 Serving St. Louis and surrounding areas with empathy and expertise.
👉 Call now (314) 862-7844 or request an appointment online.

Updated: June 6, 2025