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.
Our son, Jimmy Henderson , has been having all of his dental care done by Dr. Michael Hoffmann and his team at the Dental Anesthesia Center for the past 15 years. He goes there once a year and they put him to sleep, clean his teeth, take x-rays and fix anything that needs to be repaired. They are such a blessing for us and our son. He couldn’t tolerate a regular dentist. We heartily recommend them for your dental care. Terry & Debbie Henderson
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We are truly grateful for your trust and support over the years. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care in a safe and comfortable environment. Your recommendation means the world to us!
Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great! Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.
Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years. His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent. He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare. Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!
My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.
I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!
🧠 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.
🧑⚕️ 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:
