Sleep Dentistry & Dental Anesthesia in St. Louis — Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Board-Certified Dentist Anesthesiologist
Dr. Hoffmann is one of the first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in Missouri, serving patients in the St. Louis area who need more than a traditional dental visit — including those with severe dental anxiety, special needs, complex medical histories, and children who cannot tolerate standard dental care. He has provided IV sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia dentistry in Clayton, MO, since 1991.
“For over 30 years, we’ve used advanced technology and sleep dentistry to help patients overcome dental fear and health challenges that once stood in the way of care.”
– Dr. Micheal J. Hoffmann
Specialized Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis
As one of the first two general dentists in the St. Louis area certified by the Missouri Dental Board in deep sedation and general anesthesiology, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann has dedicated his career to helping patients who might otherwise avoid necessary dental care. He specializes in caring for patients with dental anxiety and phobias, those with strong gag reflexes, and individuals who have difficulty getting numb. His expertise extends to treating patients with medical, mental, or physical disabilities, as well as young children who need extra care and comfort during dental procedures.
Education and Expertise
Dr. Hoffmann’s journey in dentistry began at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he earned his dental degree in 1988. His commitment to specialized care led him to complete advanced residencies in Hospital Dentistry at the VA Medical Center and Dental Anesthesiology at Lutheran Medical Center in 1989. His expertise in dental anesthesiology is recognized through his diplomatic status with the American and National Dental Boards of Anesthesiology.
State-of-the-Art Sedation Dental Practice
In 1991, Dr. Hoffmann realized his vision of creating a dental practice where anxiety and fear wouldn’t stand in the way of excellent dental care. He established his advanced facility in St. Louis, combining deep sedation and general anesthesia capabilities with modern dental technology. His practice is a testament to his commitment to providing comprehensive, comfortable care in a safe, monitored environment with an experienced team dedicated to patient comfort.
Ready to Schedule With Dr. Hoffmann?
Call our Clayton, MO office or submit a request online. Our team will help determine whether sedation or sleep dentistry is the right fit for your situation.
Call (314) 862-7844 — Request Online
Office hours: Monday–Thursday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM | Friday 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Patients Dr. Hoffmann Specializes in Treating
- Severe dental anxiety or phobia — patients who have avoided the dentist for years due to fear.
- Special needs patients — adults and children with developmental, cognitive, or behavioral conditions, including Autism, Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
- Strong gag reflex — patients who cannot tolerate standard dental instruments or impressions.
- Difficulty getting numb — patients for whom a local anesthetic alone is insufficient.
- Complex medical histories — patients whose conditions require anesthesia-level monitoring and planning.
- Children needing extra care — pediatric patients who are unable to cooperate safely in a standard dental setting
Leadership in the Dental Community
Throughout his career, Dr. Hoffmann has been a driving force in advancing dental care in St. Louis. As the 2005 President of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society and the Missouri Dental Association’s 2012 Dentist of the Year, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to excellence in dentistry. He shares his expertise as a faculty member at Forest Park Community College and a staff member at Mercy Medical Center, where he regularly lectures on anesthesia protocols and safe sedation practices.
Beyond the Dental Chair
When he’s not caring for patients, Dr. Hoffmann embraces an active lifestyle in Kirkwood, Missouri, where he lives with his wife and four children. His passion for health and wellness extends beyond the dental office through his dedication to CrossFit training and exploring the Paleo lifestyle. As a devoted family man, he cherishes time spent coaching his children’s activities, creating memories on boating adventures with family, and perfecting his barbecue techniques during weekend gatherings. His approach to life mirrors his approach to dentistry: combining expertise with genuine care and enthusiasm.
Dr. Hoffmann’s Memberships and Certifications
- Diplomat of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (DADBA) — board certification in dental anesthesiology, one of the highest credentials in the field
- Diplomat of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology — dual board certification confirming advanced anesthesia training and examination
- Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (FADSA) — a fellowship recognizing sustained excellence in dental anesthesiology
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (Bi-Annually) — emergency response training renewed every two years
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (Bi-Annually) — specialized emergency certification for pediatric patients, renewed every two years
Community Involvement
Dr. Hoffmann’s commitment to community service is reflected in his active participation in programs that make dental care accessible to those in need. Through his work with Give Kids a Smile’s Smile Factory program and the Donated Dental Services program, he helps provide essential dental care to children and adults who might otherwise go without treatment. His involvement with Upward Smiles at St. Francis Health Department and various dental education initiatives demonstrates his dedication to improving oral health across the St. Louis community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hoffmann
Dr. Hoffmann holds dual board certification in dental anesthesiology as a Diplomat of both the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He is one of the first two general dentists in Missouri certified in deep sedation and general anesthesiology by the Missouri Dental Board.
Dr. Hoffmann completed his dental anesthesiology residency in 1989 and established his sedation and anesthesia practice in Clayton, MO, in 1991. He has provided over 30 years of specialized dental sedation and anesthesia care in the St. Louis area.
A dentist or anesthesiologist completes a dedicated two-to-three-year post-doctoral residency in anesthesiology and holds board certification in the specialty. Most sedation dentists have completed shorter certification courses. In Missouri, deep sedation and general anesthesia require a separate permit from the Missouri Dental Board, which Dr. Hoffmann holds.
Dr. Hoffmann specializes in patients who cannot tolerate standard dental care — including those with severe dental anxiety, special needs, complex medical histories, strong gag reflexes, difficulty getting numb, and children requiring extra care and comfort during dental procedures.
Yes. Dr. Hoffmann treats both adult and pediatric patients. Many children seen at The Dental Anesthesia Center have special needs, developmental conditions, or cannot safely cooperate in a standard dental setting. Adults come for a wide range of reasons, including severe anxiety, complex medical histories, and conditions that make routine dental care difficult to tolerate. Care is planned individually for each patient regardless of age.
No referral is needed. You can contact The Dental Anesthesia Center directly to schedule a consultation. Many patients come to us after years of avoiding dental care, or after finding that care elsewhere wasn’t working for their situation. You’re welcome to reach out on your own — our team will help determine whether sedation or sleep dentistry is the right fit before your first visit.
The Dental Anesthesia Center is located at 950 Francis Place, Suite 305, in Clayton, Missouri 63105 — serving patients throughout the greater St. Louis area. The office is accessible by car with parking available in the building. Clayton is centrally located and reachable from most St. Louis metro communities. If you have questions about accessibility or getting to the office, our team is happy to help when you call.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.