At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in sedation and sleep dentistry for children with special needs.
Caring for a child with special needs comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare. Dental visits, in particular, can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities, developmental delays, or medical conditions. That’s where sedation dentistry becomes a game-changer.
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.
TWENTY YEARS! That is how long our special needs son has been seeing Dr Hoffman and his dedicated team! Our son suffers from an intellectual disability, is non-verbal, and is unable to cooperate for dental cleaning, x-rays, or other routine dental work. He requires general anesthesia. It is such a blessing to avoid a hospital setting just for dental work.
The team is always well staffed, friendly, personable and very professional. Every single year we have been supported by a deeply caring team who are dedicated to patients with a very wide range of disabilities and needs. They have shared useful dental advice and tools (3 sided toothbrushes, blocks to hold open their mouth for daily at-home care, etc.) which improved our son’s daily dental care. We always receive a call back the day after to check his recovery-even on weekends!
Highly recommended and so appreciative to have this team supporting our ever long road of raising a special needs son.
Response from the owner:Wow — thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review! We are so grateful for your trust and for allowing our team to be part of your family’s journey over the years. It means so much to us to know that our care and support have made a difference. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!
We've been coming to Dr.Hoffman for twenty years. There's a reason we keep coming back! He's great. His staff is great. He's double boarded as an MD (Anesthesia) and DDS!!! Our son with special needs needs sedation for even a cleaning. You get what you pay for. He's expensive and... we know he's getting the best care!
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting our team over the years and for your kind words about Dr. Hoffmann and our staff. We truly value your confidence in the care we provide!
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
Why Dental Care Is Crucial for Children with Special Needs
Children with physical, emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions often face higher risks of:
Diet, certain medications, or oral motor challenges can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Difficulty brushing or flossing effectively.
Anxiety or trauma from past healthcare experiences.
Difficulty communicating dental pain or discomfort.
Without consistent care, minor issues can turn into serious health problems. That’s why finding a dentist who makes visits stress-free and safe is so important.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax or sleep during dental procedures. It’s beneficial for patients who:
Have severe dental anxiety or fear.
Cannot remain still for long periods.
Have involuntary movements or behavioral conditions.
Need extensive or complex dental treatments.
At DAC, we offer several levels of sedation—each administered under the care of trained professionals.
Types of Sedation We Offer
Mild Sedation
A light medication (often nitrous oxide) helps reduce anxiety while the child remains awake and responsive.
Moderate Sedation
Children may be drowsy or even drift off to sleep, but can still respond to touch or sound.
Ideal for patients who cannot tolerate any stimulation or have complex medical or behavioral needs. The child is fully asleep, and the procedure is performed in a controlled, hospital-grade setting with continuous monitoring.
How Sedation Dentistry Helps Children with Special Needs
Children who’ve had previous negative experiences or are hypersensitive to sounds, lights, or touch can avoid triggering situations altogether.
Allows for Comprehensive Care in One Visit
Instead of multiple appointments that increase stress, sedation enables the dentist to complete all necessary treatments at once.
Prevents Physical Discomfort or Injury
For children with involuntary movements or physical challenges, sedation ensures their safety and comfort during the procedure.
Builds Long-Term Trust in Dental Care
Positive early experiences can create confidence and help make dental visits part of a healthy routine.
What Parents Can Expect at DAC
We provide a personalized approach for every child, including:
Pre-visit consultations to discuss medical history and comfort needs.
Coordination with pediatricians and specialists.
Full explanation of sedation options and safety protocols.
A gentle, welcoming environment focused on reducing sensory overload.
We also encourage parents to stay with their child before sedation and be present as they wake up.
Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?
Board-certified professionals in dental anesthesia
Specializing in treating children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other needs
Trusted by families across Missouri for over 20 years
Fluent communication with caregivers throughout the process
We’re not just a dental office—we’re a place where families feel safe, supported, and understood.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re searching for a “special needs pediatric dentist near me” or a team that genuinely understands dental anxiety, we’re here for you. Located in St. Louis, we proudly serve families across Missouri and neighboring states.
