Holistic Dentistry, also referred to as Biological Dentistry, considers how the condition of the teeth and mouth affect the body in general. Practitioners believe that mercury and amalgam fillings are toxic to the body and make it a point to remove them from the mouths of their patients. They also teach their patients proper nutrition to avoid dental problems in the future. Practitioners conduct compatibility testing before filling cavities to make sure that the material they use is both biologically sound in general and for the particular body type of the patient involved. Herbal supplements are often prescribed to maintain proper oral health. Many holistic dentistry practitioners believe that teeth relate individually to acupuncture meridians.
History:
The first person to suggest that mercury dental fillings could be toxic was a German doctor by the name of Josef Issels; he also believed that the condition of the mouth could affect how the rest of the body functioned. However, the modern father of Holistic Dentistry is Hal Huggins, who received his dental degree from the University of Nebraska back in 1962. Early in his career, Huggins studied blood chemistry in relation to a person's nutritional needs, accidentally discovering that there was a correlation between degenerative diseases and the type of dental materials dentists used. After collaborating with a Brazilian C.D., he discovered the toxic effects of mercury fillings. In 1990, Huggins formed the Huggins Diagnostic Center, which serves as a multi-disciplinary clinic that includes medicine, dentistry, nutrition, nursing, Feldenkrais, acupressure and massage services all in one location.
Typical Treatment:
The initial visit to a holistic dentist is similar to that of a traditional dentist. First, patients talk about their current health and conditions. The dentist evaluates the patient by doing a check of the mouth and gums; she may take an oral swab for microbial analysis, and perform a low-radiation X-ray if necessary. While the patient is in the office, the dentist may also do a nutritional assessment. Once the dentists have seen what needs to be done, they will plan a second visit. The practitioner may perform oral acupuncture or "mouth balancing," to improve deformities in the structure of the mouth. Chelation therapy, which is the process of ridding the body of mercury, is almost always part of treatment, especially if the patient has previous fillings.
Conditions Treated:
Cavities
Cavitations
Corrections of Implants
Gingivitis
Gum disease
Halitosis
Head Pain
Teeth discoloration
Mercury Toxicity
Mis-aligned teeth
Nutritional Deficiencies
Root Canal Teeth
TMJ
Benefits:
Patients are tested before treatments begin to ensure that the most compatible substances are used for each patient's body type.
Treatments rid the body of possible metal toxicity.
Nutritional assessment is part of treatment, thereby helping patients to maintain proper balance of nutrients.
Side-Effects/Contra-Indications:
Because the removal of mercury fillings can affect the whole body, pregnant women should not go through a Chelation treatment.
Some herbal remedies can interact with doctor-prescribed medications, so patients should make sure their dentists know exactly what prescription medications they are taking.
Educations/Schools:
Holistic Dentists must complete a traditional dentistry program. The minimum schooling before beginning dental school is two years of college, although most students complete their Bachelor's degree. Prospective applicants to Dental School take the DAT (Dental Admissions Test) to measure perceptual ability and academics. Before being admitted to a dental program, students are evaluated and interviewed. To receive a doctoral degree, students complete four years of dental schooling. They may practice traditional dentistry while still following a holistic approach, or they can proceed with an advanced program of study that includes learning Homeopathy, Nutrition, Biocompatibility, and Amalgam Removal, after which they are awarded Fellow status at The Institute of Natural Dentistry, and can go by the title of Holistic Dentist.
Degrees/License Offered: DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), Fellowship Certification, Holistic Dentistry.
Length of Study: 6-8 years for Dental degree, 3 months additional training for Holistic classification.
Cost/Financial Aid: To complete dentistry school, students should expect to spend anywhere from $39,000-$62,000 per year, not including the required schooling that must be completed before entering dental school (a standard 2 or 4-years degree at an undergraduate university). To continue with holistic dentistry, costs vary widely. Dentists who prefer to keep a traditional office with holistic overtones can join a Biological Dentistry organization for a yearly membership fee of up to $500/year. Other dentists may choose to take classes in homeopathy, nutrition, and integrative medicine, and obtain the official title of Holistic Dentistry. This certification program can cost more than $5,000.
Research:
There have been a number of research attempts in recent years to determine how Holistic Dentistry principles can affect the rest of the body. Among the studies offered for evaluation:
The positive effect of Magnolia Bark on Halitosis. The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has reported that breath mints composed of Magnolia Bark have the potential to kill oral bacteria.
The link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer. The Harvard School of Public Health, along with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has found and reported that men with periodontal disease have a higher risk of getting cancer of the pancreas. Further study is required. (http://www.drgotthelf.com/blog/category/holistic-dentistry/)
Will treating gum disease have an effect on other ailments? According to a New York Times article, researchers recently completed a clinical trial to determine whether treating severe gum disease would also increase blood flow in the patients and lessen inflammation.
Holistic Dentists follow the same educational and professional paths as traditional dentists; however, Holistic Dentists often continue their education to incorporate holistic disciplines, including massage work and acupressure, into their practices. Holistic dentists receive traditional licensure. Currently, there are no state regulations in the field.
Average Salary/Hourly Rate:
A Holistic Dentist can make more than $100,000/year after they have set up their own practice and established a client base. This varies widely by region and education level.
