Founder · Board-Certified Dentist Anesthesiologist
Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, DDS
One of the first two board-certified dentist anesthesiologists in Missouri. Since 1991, Dr. Hoffmann has cared for St. Louis patients who need more than a traditional dental visit — those with severe anxiety, special needs, complex medical histories, and children who can’t tolerate standard care.
Who Dr. Hoffmann helps
Care for patients who can’t tolerate a traditional dental visit
Dr. Hoffmann built his practice for patients who might otherwise avoid necessary care — those with severe dental anxiety or phobia, strong gag reflexes, difficulty getting numb, complex medical histories, special needs, and children who need extra comfort during treatment.
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 anesthesia, Dr. Hoffmann has dedicated his career to helping patients who might otherwise avoid necessary dental care. He cares 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 & 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 is recognized through Diplomate status with both the American and National Dental Boards of Anesthesiology.
A state-of-the-art sedation practice
In 1991, Dr. Hoffmann realized his vision of a dental practice where anxiety and fear wouldn’t stand in the way of excellent care. He established his advanced facility in St. Louis, combining deep sedation and general anesthesia capabilities with modern dental technology — comprehensive, comfortable care in a safe, monitored environment with an experienced team dedicated to patient comfort.
Leadership in the dental community
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. 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.
Community involvement
Through his work with Give Kids a Smile’s Smile Factory program and the Donated Dental Services program, Dr. Hoffmann helps provide essential dental care to children and adults who might otherwise go without treatment. His involvement with Upward Smiles at the St. Francis Health Department and various dental education initiatives reflects his dedication to improving oral health across the St. Louis community.
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. He’s passionate about health and wellness through CrossFit and the Paleo lifestyle, and cherishes time coaching his children’s activities, boating with family, and perfecting his barbecue on weekends. His approach to life mirrors his approach to dentistry: expertise paired with genuine care and enthusiasm.
Credentials & recognition
More than 30 years at the highest level of dental anesthesia
Board certification
- Diplomate, American Dental Board of Anesthesiology
- Diplomate, National Dental Board of Anesthesiology
- Fellow, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
- Missouri permit — deep sedation & general anesthesia
Leadership & honors
- MDA Dentist of the Year, 2012
- President, Greater St. Louis Dental Society, 2005
- Faculty, Forest Park Community College
- Staff, Mercy Medical Center
Education & residency
- UT Health Science Center at San Antonio — DDS, 1988
- Hospital Dentistry residency, VA Medical Center, 1989
- Dental Anesthesiology residency, Lutheran Medical Center, 1989
- Practicing in Clayton, MO since 1991
Safety & service
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (renewed bi-annually)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (renewed bi-annually)
- Give Kids a Smile — Smile Factory program
- Donated Dental Services & Upward Smiles
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dr. Hoffmann
Dr. Hoffmann holds dual board certification in dental anesthesiology as a Diplomate 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 anesthesia 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 — over 30 years of specialized dental sedation and anesthesia care in the St. Louis area.
A dentist 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.
Both. Dr. Hoffmann treats adult and pediatric patients alike. 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. 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.
Ready to schedule with Dr. Hoffmann?
Our Clayton team will help determine whether sedation or sleep dentistry is the right fit for you, your child, or someone in your care.