Holistic, or Biological, Dentistry is dentistry that takes a whole-body approach to oral healthcare. This type of dentistry emphasizes prevention and conservation through lifestyle changes and non-pharmaceutical treatments. It discourages early invasive surgeries, mercury, fluorides, and other “toxins”. Biological dentists may be members of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine.
Biological dentistry focuses on a mouth-body connection, rather than just simply treating the explicit issue a patient may face. Biological dentistry focuses on reducing inflammation, stress, and non-natural products while emphasizing whole body wellness.
What principles identify biological dental practices?
- Mercury-free and mercury-safe
- Fluoride-free
- Focus on whole-body health
- Chemical free whitening
- Focus on prevention
- Most natural and least invasive
- Avoids root canals
- Biocompatibility testing for dental materials
- Emphasis on nutrition and nutritional counseling
- Ozone therapy
How does holistic dentistry differ from traditional dentistry as it pertains to the law? Not at all, in reality. The practice of holistic dentistry is governed by the Florida Board of Dentistry still and all such laws and regulations apply, including Florida’s prohibition on the corporate practice of dentistry (I.e., the ownership of a dental practice by a non-dentist).
The same applies to entity selection – licensed dentists can choose to operate under a “PA” or PLLC”.
You could also add on additional services to your dental practice that might be considered medical, so long as you engage the appropriate licensed providers to deliver those services. For example, While most medspas provide full body aesthetic treatments, Dentists are limited to providing treatments that are with her or his scope of practice. For example, Botulinum Toxin-A may be prescribed by a dentist, but is limited to the face and neck of patients. This also means that for nurse practitioners working under the supervision of a dentist, they too are limited in practice. While certain other treatments don’t require any specific medical license or training, dentists should evaluate the type of treatments they wish to provide or supervise to ensure it is within their scope of practice.
The growth and acceptance of biological dentistry is going to continue to expand and dentists should position themselves to incorporate these practices in into their practice as they look to grow and possibly sell in the future.