Dentist Anesthesiologist · UPMC-Trained · Board-Certified
Dr. Sean M. Thoms, DMD, MS
A dentist anesthesiologist who builds his entire practice around the patients other offices turn away — children, and adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Alzheimer’s. If care has felt impossible before, it does not have to stay that way.
Who Dr. Thoms helps
Care planned around the patient — not the other way around
Dr. Thoms primarily treats children and patients with special healthcare needs, including individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. His training as a dentist anesthesiologist means treatment can be completed safely and comfortably, often in a single visit, with deep sedation or general anesthesia when it’s the right choice.
Background & education
Dr. Thoms was born and raised in northern Illinois. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2008, followed by a Master’s in Biomedical Science from Barry University in 2009. He completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 2013.
Residency & certification
After dental school, Dr. Thoms completed a three-year Dental Anesthesiology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He is certified by the Missouri Dental Board to provide deep sedation and general anesthesia for dental procedures.
Specialty focus
Dr. Thoms focuses primarily on treating children and patients with special healthcare needs, including individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease — patients for whom a traditional dental setting often isn’t a workable option.
Professional affiliations
Dr. Thoms is a Diplomate of the American and National Dental Boards of Anesthesiology, and holds faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh and Saint Louis University, where he helps train the next generation of dentists in sedation and anesthesia.
Away from the practice
Outside the office, Dr. Thoms enjoys running, golfing, and waterskiing. He cherishes time with his wife, Michelle, and their three children, Lexi, Quinn, and Owen.
Credentials & training
Trained where dentists go to learn anesthesia
Board certification
- Diplomate, American Dental Board of Anesthesiology
- Diplomate, National Dental Board of Anesthesiology
- Fellow, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists
- Fellow, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Faculty & teaching
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Saint Louis University
- American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE)
Education & residency
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center — Certificate in Dental Anesthesiology, 2016
- SIU School of Dental Medicine — Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), 2013
- Barry University — Master of Science (MS), 2009
- SIU Edwardsville — Bachelor of Science (BS), 2008
Memberships & safety
- American Dental Association
- Missouri Dental Association
- Greater St. Louis Dental Society
- BLS, ACLS & PALS certified
Ready to talk about Dr. Thoms and your options?
We’ll help you understand whether sedation or general anesthesia is the right fit — for you, your child, or someone in your care.