Who We Care For
We care for children ages 2 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up with special needs, including IDD and autism. Our patients need to be asleep for dental care and are generally healthy.
As an intellectual and developmental disabilities dentist, our team knows that every patient is different. We take time to learn what helps the person you care for feel safe.
We want to be honest with you: we're a surgery center, not a hospital. Some patients still need a hospital operating room, for example patients who cannot move onto the surgery table on their own because of their size, or who have a higher breathing risk under anesthesia. If you're not sure which is right, text us and we'll talk it through with you.
What We Treat
Missouri Medicaid covers this care once the plan says yes, and there's nothing for you to pay.See Plans and Costs →
Kids With Autism
For many children with autism, a regular dental visit is hard. Bright lights, new sounds, strange tastes, and someone working inside their mouth can be too much. Sitting still in the chair may not be possible, and that's not your child's fault.
Dental care for children with autism works best when the visit fits the child. Then your child is gently put to sleep, so the treatment itself happens without stress.
Want to help your child get ready?Read: Preparing a Special Needs Patient for Dental Surgery
Why Being Asleep Helps
Sedation dentistry for special needs patients removes the hardest parts of a dental visit:
- No holding down.No one has to hold the person you care for in place.
- No need to sit still or cooperate.Treatment doesn't depend on following instructions.
- No sensory overload.They won't hear the drill, feel the tools, or see the lights during treatment.
Anesthesia has risks as well as these benefits.
Not every patient needs the same kind of anesthesia.Learn About Anesthesia Options
Common Questions
Do you treat children and adults with special needs?
Yes. We care for teens and adults 13 and up, and children ages 2 to 12, with special needs, including IDD and autism. Our patients need to be asleep for dental care and are generally healthy. Some patients still need a hospital operating room, for example patients who cannot move onto the surgery table on their own because of their size, or who have a higher breathing risk under anesthesia. Text us and we'll talk it through with you.
How do you care for kids with autism?
Dental care for children with autism works best when the visit fits the child. Then your child is gently put to sleep, so the treatment itself happens without stress.
Does my child need a referral from their dentist?
Yes. Children ages 2 to 12 need a referral from their dentist, and we'll help you get it.For more details, see:Pediatric Dentistry →
Do I qualify to be put to sleep or sedated? (Ages 13 and up)
Most patients 13 and up qualify when they need wisdom teeth out or four or more teeth removed.For more details, see:Tooth Extractions →
Does my child need to be put to sleep?
When more than six teeth need work, or when high anxiety makes it hard or unsafe for your child to sit through treatment.For more details, see:Pediatric Dentistry →
What's the difference between general anesthesia, IV sedation and nitrous?
General anesthesia puts you fully to sleep. IV sedation makes you very relaxed and drowsy. Nitrous, or laughing gas, helps you relax while you stay awake.For more details, see:General Anesthesia vs IV Sedation vs Nitrous
How do I prepare someone with special needs for surgery?
Tell us about the person you care for when you reach out, and we'll walk you through the next steps.For more details, see:How to Prepare a Special Needs Patient for Dental Surgery
