Special Needs Dentistry

Experienced Special Needs Dentists for Adults and Children

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that dental care for patients with special needs requires unique expertise, patience, and understanding. Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms are specialized dental anesthesiologists who provide comprehensive dental care for both adults and children with special needs in a safe, comfortable environment.

What a wonderful, knowledgeable, caring staff. Excellent care given to our 26 year old special needs son. They made everything so easy and kept me updated through the whole visit. Would highly recommend.
Dr.Hoffmann thank you so much for making everything smooth and easy your staff was awesome for it to be so early in the morning all smiles and nice facility. They make you feel comfortable and explain everything to you as they go. I will refer you to my family and friends thank you again.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and that everything felt smooth and comfortable for you. We truly appreciate your kind words and your willingness to recommend our office to family and friends! 😊
This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.
Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. And we’re glad you enjoyed the stylish shades too! 😎 We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!

Comprehensive Special Needs Dental Services

Our practice offers complete dental care for patients with special needs, including:

  • Thorough dental examinations
  • Digital X-rays
  • Professional cleanings
  • Cavity treatment
  • Emergency dental care
  • Preventive dentistry

Every procedure can be performed under sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience for our patients.

Specialized Care for Various Conditions

We provide expert dental care for patients with:

  • Special Needs
  • Down’s Syndrome
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Autism
  • Angelman Syndrome
  • Fragile X Syndrome
  • Asperger’s Syndrome
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)
  • Rett syndrome
  • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD )
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Alzheimer’s

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center for Special Needs Dentistry?

Our dental team specializes in creating positive experiences for patients who may have found traditional dental visits challenging. We offer:

  • Board-certified dental anesthesiologists
  • Sensory-friendly environment
  • Specialized equipment and techniques
  • Experience with both pediatric and adult special needs patients
  • Complete dental care under one roof

Understanding Special Needs Dental Care

We recognize that every patient’s needs are unique. Whether you’re seeking care for yourself or a loved one, our team takes time to understand each patient’s specific challenges and requirements. We create personalized treatment plans that consider:

  • Individual sensory sensitivities
  • Communication preferences
  • Medical history and medications
  • Previous dental experiences
  • Comfort levels with various procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

A qualified special needs dentist should have specialized training in sedation techniques, experience working with patients who have various disabilities, and a sensory-friendly office environment. Our dentists are board-certified dental anesthesiologists with extensive experience treating patients with autism, sensory processing disorders, and developmental disabilities.

We offer multiple sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. The appropriate method is determined based on your loved one’s needs, medical history, and required dental procedures.

Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by qualified professionals like our board-certified dental anesthesiologists. We conduct thorough pre-treatment evaluations, monitor patients continuously during procedures, and follow strict safety protocols. Each sedation plan is customized based on the patient’s medical history and specific needs.

Community Involvement and Advocacy

Our commitment to special needs dentistry extends beyond our practice. We actively participate in community events like the annual Autism Walk and work with local special needs organizations to promote oral health awareness and accessibility to dental care.

Schedule Your Visit

Taking the first step toward dental care can feel overwhelming. Our compassionate team is here to help make the process easier. We’ll take time to discuss your concerns, answer questions, and create a comfortable care plan for you or your loved one.

Call Us Today

The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

Pictured is the Dental Anesthesia Center at the Autism Walk 2019 & Autism Glow Run 2019

autism dentist 2019

We look forward to meeting you and your loved one!

We welcome patients from throughout the St. Louis area and surrounding communities who are seeking specialized dental care for special needs.