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Choosing a Biological Dentist

What Is Biological Dentistry? Principles and Standards

What biological dentistry is, what sets it apart from conventional care, including mercury-free fillings and biocompatibility testing, and what to ask.

Dr. Teresa Scott
What Is Biological Dentistry? Principles and Standards

Understanding Holistic And Biological Dentistry

A Brief History Of Biological Dentistry


Biological dentistry is not a brand-new idea. Its roots go back more than a century to earlier attempts to understand how oral health affects the rest of the body. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, dentists and physicians were already exploring links between oral infections and systemic illness through what became known as focal infection theory. That movement eventually went too far in some cases, leading to unnecessary extractions, and much of mainstream dentistry backed away from it. But the core question never disappeared: can what happens in the mouth affect the rest of the body? Modern research on periodontal disease, oral microbiology, inflammation, and oral-systemic connections has made it clear that the answer is yes.


The modern biological dentistry movement also grew out of concerns about dental material biocompatibility, especially mercury amalgam, galvanism, toxic burden, and the need to evaluate dental care in the context of the whole person rather than the teeth alone. Influential early figures included Weston A. Price, who studied nutrition, facial development, and the relationship between oral conditions and systemic health, along with later clinicians who pushed for a more holistic and biologically informed model of care.


As an organized professional movement, biological dentistry took clearer shape in the 1980s. The IAOMT was founded in 1984, and the IABDM was founded in 1985, both with a focus on biocompatibility, whole-body health, and raising standards around materials, protocols, and patient care.


Today, biological dentistry generally refers to a whole-body approach to oral care that considers biocompatible materials, toxicology, chronic inflammation, airway and facial development, oral-systemic relationships, and the long-term health consequences of dental treatment choices. It is still not a formally recognized specialty in the same way orthodontics or periodontics are, which is part of why the term can be used loosely and inconsistently. There are also other terms that have come up over the years, such as "wellness dentistry" and "biomimetic dentistry"  that mislead people into believing that they match the values of Biological Dentistry.  There are absolutely also people who believe that ALL dentistry is holistic.  THAT couldn't be further from the truth!  AND, that inconsistency is exactly why vetting and upholding standards matter.


It's important to understand that none of these labels — holistic, functional, integrative, wellness, biomimetic, or biological — are recognized dental specialties. There is no formal licensing board, no specialty certification governed by state dental boards, and no regulatory body that disciplines a dentist for misusing any of these labels. Therefore, any licensed dentist can call him/herself “biologic,” whether or not he/she is truly aligned with the biologic philosophy or practices following biologic protocols. A dentist only has to meet the minimum standards of conventional dentistry to maintain their license — and those standards, while appropriate for traditional practice, are far below what most patients assume when they see words like “holistic,” “biological,” or “wellness-based.”  


For further information about the differences between the various dental specialties, read these articles:  



What Makes a Dentist Biological?


Just because someone advertises themselves as biological doesn't automatically make them so. Just like we've all had a bad haircut from a hairdresser or a disappointing meal at a restaurant, not all dentists are created equal (conventional OR biological). Some are amazing, and some... not so much. Integrity and skill vary, so it's crucial to do your due diligence when finding a biological dentist. You might have to travel or wait for an appointment because the good ones tend to be in high demand.


You might wonder what makes a dentist holistic or biological. Some people think a biological dentist might use herbs to fill cavities or perform other magical fixes, but that's not the case at all. It's important to clarify what we do because we don't use herbs to remineralize cavities or bring dead teeth back to life!


So, what sets biological dentists apart from conventional dentists? And what makes one biological dentist different from another? We have many biological dentist friends who are just starting out and money is a factor. Folks, biological dentistry is expensive to do and expensive to get. I see so many people complaining about the cost of it, wanting it to be in network with insurance companies... You don't understand the sheer "behind the scenes" amount of education and expense we have to undertake to do this job correctly. 


We have many friends who are excellent conventional dentists, and we respect their work. However, they may not see the dental profession as toxic as we do. That is THEIR journey, just as biological dentistry is OURS. For example, they might not take the same precautions when working with amalgam, and they view fluoride as a tooth vitamin (no joke). But everyone is on their own health and professional journey, and it's up to you to choose a dentist that aligns with you, fits your path and your budget.


The Benefits of Being Holistic or Biological


Becoming a biological dentist involves taking deep dives into the oral-systemic health connection, biocompatibility, toxicology, and nutrition—topics not covered AT ALL in dental school. Think functional medicine, but in dentistry.  You can be a great dentist without being biological, and being biological doesn't automatically make you a great dentist. Intention and Excellence in dentistry comes first in our vetted dentists, and our biological approach enhances our practice. The following describes the clinical principles distinguishing biologic dentistry from conventional dentists:


1. ROOT CAUSE FOCUS: A good biological dentist looks for the underlying causes of dental issues. We don't just treat symptoms; we want to know why a tooth gets a cavity, cracks, or dies. By identifying the root cause, we aim to prevent future problems and provide long-lasting solutions. This approach links oral health to overall health, recognizing connections between gum disease, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.  For more information on this topic, here are just some of the articles in our library that address root cause issues:  




2. BIOCOMPATIBILITY: We understand that everyone's body reacts differently to materials. We still use modern dental materials and technologies, but we recommend testing to ensure your body is compatible with them. This personalized approach helps avoid potential issues and promotes better overall health.   For more information on this topic, here are some articles within our library that address it:  


Biocompatibility Testing:



Biocompatible Restorations:


  • BPA Free/Fluoride Free Composite Resins and Bonding Agents:

https://www.orabiologics.com/resource-library/bpa-free-%26-fluoride-free-dental-materials%3A-what-patients-should-know



3. AIRWAY HEALTH: Breathing is essential for life, and an inadequate airway can lead to various oral health problems. Biological dentistry connects issues like grinding, clenching, snoring, and sleep apnea to airway inadequacy. Instead of just using nightguards as a temporary fix, we address the root cause to improve your overall health.


For More information on Airway Health, here are links within our resource library that you can access:  


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