Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Sedation Dentistry Partner in St. Louis
The Dental Anesthesia Center has been a leader in sedation and sleep dentistry for over 30 years, specializing in compassionate care for patients with anxiety, special needs, and complex medical histories. Our board-certified dentist anesthesiologists combine advanced technology with personalized treatment plans to ensure comfort and safety. We prioritize patient relationships, offering services ranging from routine checkups to full-mouth reconstructions. Our teams expertise in managing difficult cases, including those requiring general anesthesia, sets us apart as pioneers in Missouri. We emphasize transparency, continuous education, and collaboration with caregivers to deliver stress-free dental experiences. With a focus on accessibility and innovation, weve helped thousands overcome dental phobias and maintain optimal oral health.
Services
Sedation Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Geriatric Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants
Restorative Dentistry
Sleep Apnea Treatment
General Anesthesia
Perio Protect
Special Needs Dentistry
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Board-certified dentist anesthesiologists with decades of experience
- State-of-the-art facility designed for patient comfort and safety
- Specialized care for patients with special needs and complex medical histories
- Family-centered approach with clear communication and support
- Accommodations for service dogs to enhance patient comfort
Associations and certifications
- Missouri Dental Board
- American Dental Board of Anesthesiology
- National Dental Board of Anesthesiology
What people say
Compassionate care
Stress-free visits
Kind staff
Personalized attention
Successful outcomes
Services
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry at The Dental Anesthesia Center offers tailored options like nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Patients with anxiety, special needs, or complex medical conditions receive safe, comfortable care. Our board-certified anesthesiologists ensure personalized treatment plans for stress-free procedures.
Pediatric Dentistry
Our pediatric services cater to children with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or special needs. Using gentle techniques and sedation options, we provide routine cleanings, exams, and restorative treatments. A compassionate team ensures a welcoming environment to foster lifelong oral health habits.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with durable, natural-looking solutions. We offer All-on-4 implants, implant dentures, and single-tooth replacements. Advanced technology ensures precise placement, while sedation options guarantee patient comfort during procedures.
Geriatric Dentistry
Geriatric dentistry addresses seniors' unique needs, including mobility challenges and complex medical histories. Services include routine exams, restorative treatments, and sedation for anxiety. Wheelchair-accessible facilities and specialized equipment ensure safe, comfortable care for elderly patients.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry services include veneers, teeth whitening, bonding, and contouring. We correct misshapen, discolored, or chipped teeth to enhance smiles. Sedation options ensure anxiety-free procedures, delivering transformative results that boost confidence and oral health.
People
Michael J. Hoffmann, DDS
Dentist Anesthesiologist
Dr. Hoffmann has practiced sedation dentistry for over 35 years. Certified by the Missouri Dental Board, he specializes in deep sedation and general anesthesia. Recognized as Missouri Dental Association Dentist of the Year in 2012, he focuses on patients with phobias and disabilities.
Sean M. Thoms, DMD, MS
Dentist Anesthesiologist
Dr. Thoms is certified in deep sedation and general anesthesia by the Missouri Dental Board. He specializes in treating patients with autism, Alzheimers, and cerebral palsy, combining expertise with compassionate care for special needs individuals.
Maris E. Behl, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Behl earned her DDS from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2021. After a residency in general practice, she focuses on restorative and cosmetic dentistry, emphasizing patient comfort and anxiety-free care.
Questions
What sedation options are available?
We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia tailored to patient needs and procedure complexity.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We accept most insurance plans, submit claims on your behalf, and assist with out-of-network coverage verification.
How do you accommodate special needs patients?
We provide customized treatment plans, sedation options, and accessible facilities for patients with physical, behavioral, or cognitive challenges.
Are financing options available?
Yes, we offer CareCredit and Lending Club financing with 0% interest for 6-12 months and extended plans up to 60 months.
What areas do you serve?
We serve St. Louis and surrounding areas including Clayton, Chesterfield, St. Charles, and Wildwood, Missouri.
Reviews (27)
Suzane Chisum
Jun 06, 2022
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I went for the first exam. Really liked Dr. Thoms and Justine. Problem was with getting through all the online stuff to get the estimate for treatment. Rather pricey. Not sure I will be able to afford at all.
Sarah Giebe
May 22, 2022
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I have a special needs son that needed some work done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is an amazing place I can't imagine Trevor being in any better hands. We love Dr. Thoms and his staff. So nice and caring. A little on the expensive side but very well worth the care he received. I would recommend to anyone that has special needs, fear of dentistry or just in need of a dentist.
Sir Morrow
Apr 20, 2022
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It can be frightening to have to put a two-year-old under anesthesia. The staff and Dr. Thoms took the time to explain the treatment options. The process went well, and the services were outstanding. Everyone was polite and empathetic, from the front desk receptionist to the dentists. The customer service was excellent. I rarely post reviews, but I do so because I want others to know that they can trust and feel safe with their care. The Dental Anesthesia Center comes highly recommended from this mama bear.
Rachel Sierbinski
Jul 28, 2021
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My son has autism and a lot of anxiety around medical procedures. This is the most understanding and compassionate group of people, I am so grateful we found them. The doctor calls personally to check up on us after the appointment. Even though we only come once a year they remember my son's needs without me having to explain everything all over again. They are always on time, organized, and transparent about billing. I wish all of our medical appointments could go as smoothly as they do here.
Emily Williams
Apr 15, 2021
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Absolutely wonderful! My five year old had to have extensive dental work done and from start to finish the dental anesthesia center delivered five star work! Going to the dentist is scary enough but having to take your own child to be put under was next level and the care he received from the nurses and dr was mind easing.
Madi Gonko
May 31, 2020
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Beyond pleased with our experience with Dr. Hoffman! My son, Cameron, had work done and everything turned out way better than I could've ever expected. Dr Hoffman saved all of his teeth, where other dentist told me the only option for two of his teeth were to be pulled. His smile is so beautiful and I couldn't think them enough! They were sooo kind! The dental hygienist were so sweet, and throughly explained everything to me. There was no judgement. They made this whole process so comfortable. Yes, it was pricey, but worth EVERY penny. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Whitney Mackley
Nov 16, 2018
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My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything throughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!
Tonya Holmes
Apr 28, 2018
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My 9yr old daughter was afraid of going to the dentist. I was referred to Dental Anesthesia and I must say, they were AWESOME! Dr Sean Thoms along with the staff were wonderful. They explained everything they were going to do to my daughter and kept me well informed during her procedure. They allowed me to be by her side until she was sedated. They even called later in the day just to check on her. My daughter said they made her feel very comfortable and would want to return to this practice for future procedures.
Lejla M.
Jan 23, 2018
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Dr. Hoffman and his staff are amazing, friendly and caring. I have high anxiety and fear of dentists due to my past bad experiences, but the Dental Anesthesia Center made me feel at ease and comfortable. Had a lot of dental work done in one visit while sedated and recovered well. Now I have my smile back thanks to Dr. Hoffman and his team. If youre a person like me I definantly recommend you the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Keevin Michael Kujawa
Aug 11, 2017
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By far the nicest people we have ever met we went into this scared to death just a thought of your little four-year-old daughter getting put to sleep is a nightmare but this place made it calm and easy explained everything I did nothing but the best possible treatment for our daughter I can never thank you guys enough for what you did
J. Russ
Feb 03, 2017
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Went for an evaluation/consultation, staff was great to talk to and friendly. Prices are way higher than expected. Anesthesia is not cheap, and I take that into account, but the prices for the actual procedures are almost triple that of other places. I hope you have good insurance, but since most companies do not cover Anesthesia I hope you have a large savings account. Ask for prices on the phone before the appointments. Seems like a fantastic place to take someone with special needs or extreme dental phobia/anxiety.
Mike Lorberbaum
Feb 21, 2016
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These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go. I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn't have a dentist. Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don't wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best.
Patty Donovan York
Our 25 year old son Kyle who has Down Syndrome was treated with such warmth and care by the entire staff! Dr. Thoms personally wheeled him out to the car after his appointment. He also followed up that night with a phone call to check on him. It doesn't get any better than that!
Erica Wessling Spihlmann
Wow, where do I start?! Everyone was awesome! Yes it did cost a bit but the care and compassion these people have is priceless! Even though I hope to never have to go back they would be the first place to come to mind if I needed to!
Steve Adams
Dr. Hoffmann and staff are absolutely amazing. Our son Josh has special needs, and the care, patience, dedication, and expertise shown to us by The Dental Anesthesia Center is so valuable to us-regular dental offices don't work out well for our son. Every step of the way they keep us informed of what dental care is being provided; and pre-op instructions and planning clearly have a lot of thought put into them to make the process as easy as possible. Thank you for being so dedicated to serving special needs children.
Kristy Simpson
Just took my daughter Cameron Foster there and she got everything done in one visit. The dentist Dr. Hoffman was very professional and thorough & the staff was very pleasant and did a great job explaining everything and making the patient feel comfortable and at ease. She had zero pain and zero complications. No anxiety which was the first time in her life that she had no fears. Amazing. Highly recommend going here.
Cara Katzen Shalowitz
I just returned from one of many procedures in this office. Time after time I am impressed with EVERY SINGLE detail in this office. I cannot get numb in the traditional way of dentistry which is how I found this office. Dr. Hoffmann can put anyone at ease and has been a godsend to me. I could go on and on but the bottom line is do not hesitate to make this office your dentist for life! Thank you Dr. Hoffmann and your fabulous staff as well!
Lindsey Mocca
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The staff is amazing. My daughter (6) had to have quite a bit of work done, as a mom I was super paranoid about putting her under anesthesia for this. Dr. Thoms was wonderful, walked me through everything and gave me info to read from a legit source. They were all great with her, even called that night and the following day to check an see how she was doing! I was in a lot of pain last week and over the weekend, I ended up needing to have a tooth extracted, I called Dr. Thoms. I'm typing this after I just got home from the extraction. They were awesome. It was easy, he explained everything and the again, the staff was wonderful.
Ola Swan
I can not thank Dr. Daugherty, Dr. Thoms, and their entire team enough for providing such exceptional care to my 4 yr old! Thank you all so very much for getting us in urgently, for putting his fears at ease, for helping keep my other son entertained and distracted while my 4 yr old was getting anesthetized, and for the follow-up call that evening! You all truly provided the best care to my family!
Shanna Vessell Weber
I have been coming to this Center for several years and am never disappointed! Dr. Hoffmann and his staff do an amazing job, not only with their dentistry, but also with their bed-side manner and care!
Nick Marsh
This place ROCKED! Dr. Thoms is so personable and professional. I had a pretty serious surgery and he went above and beyond expectation. Calmed my anxiety and when the time came I didnt have any issues. It was a BREEZE. I highly recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center to anyone, young or old. Especially, if you have a dental phobia. Huge thank you!
Hannah Constable
I was referred to The Dental Anesthesia center and I couldnt be happier with my experience. I had to have some fairly extensive work done to re-do bad jobs done by previous dentists and also have a root canal. I was asleep for 3 hours and woke up to such beautiful teeth I couldnt believe they were mine! I have had bad experiences with dentists and have been scared of them for my whole life but because of Dr. Hoffmann and his AMAZING team I will feel safe every time I walk back in and know I am in the best hands.
Victoria Lee Davis
I have a 4 year old son with autism. He also has mouth sensory issues and its hard to get into his mouth. I am so glad I came here this office was so understanding and made me feel comfortable about the procedure.
Kati Pape Ross
This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients.
Lauren Friedmeyer
Found dental treatment for Autism here in Saint Louis! It makes my family so happy to have found a dentist for special needs. My brother is autistic and experienced numerous traumatizing dental appointments until we found Dr. Hoffmann. This was the BEST DENTAL appointment my brother has ever had. THANK YOU!! THE DENTAL ANESTHESIA CENTER IS THE BEST!!!
James Crockett
Great place, very friendly! Very Pro Status, especially for people afraid of dentist or with people with disabilities. 10 Stars!!!!
Anne Chesnut
I have always hated going to the dentist until going to the Dental Anesthesia Center! The staff is very friendly and welcoming! You will never hate going to the dentist again.