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.
I have been a patient at the Dental Anesthesia Center for about 20 years! Dr. Hoffman and his team are the premier dental group in the St. Louis area. I believe they are the only location for Dental Anesthesia if you need that service. They are experts in the dental field and I cannot fathom ever going anywhere else. Great team, kind, caring, patient, and looking out for you and your dental needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust over the years! We’re truly grateful for your support and are honored to have such a caring team dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.
I have been going here for 30 years and the extra care they take is outstanding.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and longtime support! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and are grateful for the trust placed in our team over the years.
It was thorough professional and informative. I was satisfied with consultation and look forward to having my dental needs addressed
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review! We appreciate your kind words and are grateful you took the time to share your feedback. Thank you for your support!
Everything went great today for her surgery but I do have some feedback about other things. My daughter was scheduled to be put to sleep to undergo a root canal. They ended up needing more anthesia which I was willing to pay for. Surgery was supposed to be an hour (I was told this before they started), and it ended up being 2 hours because of some minor complications. Noone came to the lobby to inform us. When it was over, I asked to see her. They said I had to pay first. I just paid almost 5k and they were more worried about an additional $300 before allowing me to see my daughter? This didn't sit right. I didn't say anything. I paid the bill and went to see my daughter. Dr. Hoffman is the nicest man I have ever met! He was outstanding.
Also, in the weeks before her surgery, the office appeared to not communicate. I would receive a call saying one thing then someone else would say another. They were never on the same page.
Last week, they needed to speak with me to confirm a few things. They called me at 8:16am then again at 1:06pm. Leaving me a voicemail that if they do not hear from me they were going to cancel her surgery. Wow! I work. I work 8am-5pm. I do not have access to my phone during those hours. They did leave a voicemail and I would have called the next day but they did not give me a chance before sending me an email threatening to cancel.
Also, they had called me several weeks before to inform me I had no insurance. I called my insurance company and they said I did. Not sure what happened but it resulted in unnecessary phone calls during my only free 20 minutes at work.
If your appointment is at 10am, do not plan on seeing anyone for awhile. All our appointments ran an hour behind.
I think Dr. Hoffman is wonderful but the office staff needs some help.
Not friendly at all. Noone even smiled!
The nurses in the room with my daughter were great too.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback and kind words about Dr. Hoffmann and our clinical team. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback is valuable to us as we continually strive to provide the best possible care and experience for every family.
🧠 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:
