1. Introduction
It takes much more than fancy specialty dental practices, moderate prices, glossy advertisements, and talk in order to be called a true natural dentist. Though it may be a goal that is not fully achieved, a real natural dentist pursues the use of natural therapies and philosophies to the greatest extent possible. (This is not to say that things cannot change as more powerful tools become available.) Many people might be surprised to learn that dentistry was – and can be again – a natural and sometimes even a high ethical calling. Though the area of health freedom in dentistry is still a controversial one, it is an area where many positive changes have taken place over the last generation. In fact, one of the first issues against state dental regulatory boards that became a major national issue was a health freedom issue.
Are you in search of the best natural dentist in your area? Finding a dentist who does not prescribe and utilize toxic substances can be a challenging task, but with this step-by-step guide, you can effectively find the best natural dentist near you and take control of your oral and general health!
1.1. Purpose of the Guide
Many factors were taken into consideration before the advancement of this guide, so the end result is the ultimate guide to finding the best natural dentist. These factors included measures taken on the part of the dentist in educating his patients on the precise conditions affecting their own dental health, the effort they put forth in helping to produce vital teeth and gums, as well as a keen interest in guiding his patients in the art of prevention where dental damage is concerned. Being an active consultant, who operates in partnership with each patient towards the goal of optimal oral health has given truth to the profound abilities of the natural dentist. The ultimate dentist teaches the value and mastery of prevention throughout your entire relationship together. You should not die with your teeth in your mouth. These words, inspired by Dr. Hilda Dolittle, opens the door to understanding the principles of National Dentistry, as they address the health of the entire body and all its systems through the proper health of the teeth and gums. With that being said, the journey to finding the best natural dentist may be a long one, but your body will thank you later.
The purpose of this essential guide is to provide a step-by-step approach to help you find the best natural dentist near you. With so many dentists to choose from that often advertise themselves as preservationists of teeth, this guide will help educate you on how to discern who is truly a holistic dentist through fact-finding methods for those in your local area.
2. Understanding Natural Dentistry
What is the real definition of natural dentistry? It’s not the same thing as holistic dentistry, biological dentistry, or environmental dentistry, despite the fact that it shares some goals in common with each of these. A dentist of this type, also known as an organic dentist, aims to treat both dental and periodontal disease in the safest, most effective manner possible. In addition to regular dental care treatments and examinations, some or all of the following services may be available: age-appropriate esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, laser and no numbing cavity treatment, deep teeth whitening, amalgam replacement, replacement of hair-like-colored materials with hair-like colored materials, fluoride-free dental lines, and nutraceutical or homeopathic treatments additionally offered at the office for the treatment of TMJ chronic headaches, sleep apnea, snoring, nerve pain, cold sores, gum disease, dry mouth, bad breath, oral thrush, yeast in the mouth, biocompatibility testing, and airway-centric dentistry. A full-service dentist will also be able to provide orthodontic treatment, periodontal care, and more. This list can go on and on. The foundation of this practice is the Comprehensive Biologic Exam, which includes a thorough cranial and dental examination as well as digital x-rays with the latest generation of biologic piping. In depth explanation documentation and visualization of your teeth are other resources. This information may also entail clinical record documentation. The dentist may examine the bone condition in 3D in addition to x-rays and circumoral photographs. All of the parts of the teeth and face should work together in unison. The dentist proposes a comprehensive patient-centric and biologic developed treatment plan centered on the patient’s goals based on the results of the exam and carefully listens to the patient’s story. The outcomes are intended to be dynamic in appearance, perform better, last longer and promote physical, psychological, and metaphysical health to the point of transferring the life of the patient. Preventive, comprehensive, and bioactive cosmetic dentistry, disease control protocols, biocompatible pipelines, minimally invasive and conscious alternatives, and stable restorative and restorative materials are used to obtain these results.
2.1. What is Natural Dentistry?
Despite the recent growth of natural dentistry, most general dentists are probably not very familiar with it. You might have heard it mentioned in a conversation with someone or at your last hair salon appointment. Unfortunately, most dental insurance companies don’t offer special coverage plans or discounts to cover the type of expenses that are commonly associated with a natural dentist’s office. This is either because the practice is new or because the ability to use a natural dentist isn’t widely available. It has discouraged anyone from taking the time to investigate and find out more about what makes natural dentistry different. However, natural dentists focus on your natural health and have a high return of satisfaction among patients for good reasons. With that said, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find the best natural dentist near you.
Natural dentistry is the practice of using natural remedies and materials to perform tooth or gum-related procedures, thus allowing our mouth’s ability to heal naturally without harming its capacity. This dentistry doesn’t like the use of fluoride, amalgam, or other synthetic chemicals and substances because of the potentially harmful side effects they may have on us in both the short and long term. Here is a list of potential natural topical remedies and materials that a natural dentist may use during a procedure: biocompatible, a non-toxic restorative material derived from BPA-free substances, stem cell dental stem cell treatment, natural root canal using ozonated water or an ozonated mixture rather than synthetic chemicals, suitability testing and selecting various natural dental remedies, and biocompatibility testing with potential patients for their dental procedures.
2.2. Benefits of Natural Dentistry
Actually, natural dentistry is not the invention of one person. This concept is in complete agreement and harmony with natural medicine in all fields, such as prevention, treatment, and maintenance. Of course, natural dentistry focuses on promoting the patient’s innate self-defense, self-healing, and self-regulation mechanisms. A natural dentist works with these mechanisms, not against them. If these natural regenerative mechanisms are supported and utilized, both patients and natural dentists would be much more successful in long-term maintenance and recovery. Furthermore, natural dentistry carries significant additional long-term health benefits for patients.
Natural dentistry is an alternative approach to conventional tooth and gum-oriented dental care. A natural dentist aims to provide care for the dental and adjacent oral structures that are safe and compatible with the other teeth and structures. They devote much attention to avoiding and eliminating risks as much as possible. Thus, natural dentistry is more focused on preventing or reducing risks to the patient.
3. Step 1: Researching Natural Dentistry Practices
The easiest-to-find information about natural dentistry can generally be found on the internet. If you’re not already on the internet, your technology cozy friends and family may be able to give you some pointers on how to utilize the internet to perform online research. If you don’t have any friends or family members available to assist you, most areas also offer free public internet accessible at libraries and some coffee houses. Even if the particular natural dental practice you’re seeking information on doesn’t have a website, creating a list of potential natural dentist candidates that you could call and discuss possible treatment with can be very helpful. Although reading possible reviews, viewing before and after pictures of possible treatments, and finding answers to your questions by reading the articles, blogs, and forums that members of online natural dentistry communities contribute to can be a very empowering first step. Remember to use information you find on the internet as a helpful tool to assist in your search, and don’t just rely solely on the internet to assist you in making your final choice!
The first step to finding and choosing the best natural dentist is to perform online research on natural dentistry practices. The time required to discover a natural dentist that you truly feel excited about visiting, recommending, and initiating treatment with differs from person to person and towns differ in the ease of finding a natural dentist. It can be a quick, pleasant experience if you’re looking in the right place and are open to working with motivated staff over the phone and do some out-of-town travel if necessary.
3.1. Online Search
Apart from the professional directory of these three major associations, other popular directories that you can check include Healthgrades, Wellness.com, or a simple search on Yelp. Don’t forget to read through the reviews of other patients for their firsthand experience with a dentist before settling on a decision. Be cautious, though. Many online reviews nowadays are fake. This is especially true for business reviews or dental reviews on Yelp, Google, and other similar review sites. Sites like FakeSpot and ReviewMeta are useful for uncovering fake or misleading reviews. Also, try to focus on reviews that were written no more than six months ago. People’s minds and the overall quality of dental practices can change over time.
The internet is your friend when it comes to finding a qualified natural dentist. One of the best places to search for a new dentist is the online directory of the Holistic Dental Association. This professional association’s members are dental professionals who value a whole-body or holistic approach to dentistry. Not all natural dentists belong to the Holistic Dental Association. Therefore, for additional professional listings, you might also consider exploring the directories of two other major professional associations such as the International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine (IABDM) and the IAOMT website.
3.2. Asking for Recommendations
If you are unable to find office contact information that matches the telephone number or you cannot otherwise get in touch with a practice, you can telephone the phone company or the long-distance-calling monitor to obtain the practice’s full address. Then you can use the address to obtain a telephone number by referring to any carrier that readily provides a directory and asking for information. To save time, you may also check the directory of a nearby town if that has been published more recently than yours and is known by that provider to be stored in the server used. The single telephone used for the search, 802-656-2022, uses only a local directory online database, and messages are relayed to places of business only if contact names, telephone numbers, or other items of interest are mentioned.
If there is no local dentist in your area practicing in the alternative way you seek, return to the phone and contact the doctors with the most applications listed in an appropriate geographic scope, usually around 100 miles from your home. Keep following the same process from start to finish by explaining your criteria and pointing them toward this school and other educational resources. Mention which chapter you belong to, if at all, and so on. If you are unable to find a local candidate suited to your criteria at all, or one who is otherwise well-qualified, who seems willing to travel to where you live, and who would be available to you when you need their services, you may need to look into relocating briefly or even permanently to near a doctor’s office, ordering alternative treatments by mail, or making periodic scheduled visits to preferred geographically remote practitioners on long predatory care vacations during which you can find out about local services and eventually engage those that allow you to establish in your lifestyle the level of health and health care you value.
4. Step 2: Evaluating the Dentist’s Credentials
You can also look at third-party websites and directories to see what previous patients have said about their visits. This is especially important if you have specific oral health needs or have a fear of seeing the dentist. To ensure that you always feel comfortable in the chair, you can ask your new dental professionals about the natural sedation options that they offer and take a look at their knowledge related to treating your symptoms. Always look for natural solutions to you and your family’s oral health needs. After all, many holistic dentistry treatments use Eastern and Western methodologies for a modern and all-encompassing approach. Treatments like dental ozone therapy, naturopathic supplements, and red heat therapy reach across a wide number of treatment types and make it easier for you to live a healthier lifestyle.
Once you have a list of dentists in your area, the Academy of Natural Dentistry can help you evaluate their credentials and get a sense of the different services that each offers. Membership in the Academy is a great first step towards finding experienced, knowledgeable natural dentists, and each member also holds a DDS degree. Thanks to the strict membership requirements that all of these professionals meet, you can trust that you are getting some of the best and most advanced services available. Once you have some dentists that you are interested in, visit their websites, take a look at the services and procedures that each offers, and reach out to a few favorites to find out whether they offer complimentary consultations to new patients.
4.1. Education and Training
Advanced, post-graduate training in natural, holistic, nutritional, and/or functional dentistry is offered by the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine and by The American College of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry in the United States. Over more than a decade, the non-profit independent research firm, The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, has been working to document the latest science in a manner that is useful to dentists who are seeking to practice according to the principles of natural secret. They have created a professional standards resource to support training programs that seek to help dentists practice according to the natural principles of biology, wellness, and wholeness.
All dentists are trained in the same general principles in dental school and must pass board exams and receive licensure from the state in which they wish to practice. However, the level of training a dentist pursues after they are initially licensed can vary significantly and can alter how effective they are. Nutritional, functional, biological, and holistic schools around the globe offer advanced, post-doctoral education to dentists who are seeking to practice according to the principles of natural dentistry. When selecting a natural dentist, understanding the depth of a few courses can help determine the dentist’s approach.
4.2. Certifications and Memberships
For the patient that seeks out a natural dentist, it is good to be aware that current dental laws allow the private doctor-patient relationship to operate freely. Therefore, it is recognized and permissible for traditional dentists to protect the health of their patients by practicing what they truly believe is the highest quality of medical care that is appropriate and warranted for human beings. Preventive dental techniques offered by ROC certified dentists, or by any other health practitioners, do not have to be supported by the current state-of-the-art findings circulating at that time from the conventional dental speculative theories. Preventive dental treatments offered by natural dentists are clearly in this category. Many patients and their families seek out preventive dental treatments offered by natural dental practitioners because they make common sense.
Natural dentists, as with most traditional and holistic healers, place high value on continued education and establish their professional practice expectations based on these principles. That is why these leading experts in preventive health make every effort to share this knowledge with their patients. To understand and meet these expectations, patients must be well-informed. Fortunately, locating these leading practitioners is not as difficult as it may seem. Here we share with you what are the most important credentials for you to request and verify from potential natural dentist practitioners. Following is a list of the most important guidelines to familiarize yourself with to help you find the number one natural dentist near you. Keep in mind that it is important to ask any potential provider as many of these questions as possible. It is also very helpful to ask for a tour of the office and go with your feelings.
5. Step 3: Assessing the Clinic Environment
Most natural examination and treatment can be performed at the clinic, which helps to reduce running costs. However, that being said, it is good to see a clinic performing some natural examination techniques at a minimum, such as iris-based diagnosis or kinesiology (muscle testing). This is a sign that the dentist incorporates natural medicine as part of the preparation in the approach to your treatment. Most dental cavitations and focal infections cause no pain and can only be diagnosed with a 3D dental cone beam scan, a small investment many clinics are not yet ready to make. However, ask them, and if they do refer you for a 3D dental cone beam scan to a local radiology clinic, that means they most probably are ready for the natural dental approach, as diagnosing dental cavitations is very important in teeth extraction planning but also in your overall long-term health.
Have a look around the clinic. Is it clean and organized? How does it smell? Does it matter how beautiful and professional the doctor is if the clinic lacks cleanliness and organization? This is a red flag. Find out how the sterilization of instruments is performed. Dental instruments need to be steam sterilized, and this requires an expensive autoclave machine that only a few clinics have. Third-party instrument sterilization is a good way to evaluate the quality of the clinic because their instruments need to be taken for steam sterilization to a professional dental technician, and if they are in that business, they will ensure that the practice only uses steam sterilization. Another good tool to have around is a dental X-Ray machine. This is very important in diagnosing unseen dental issues below the gum line.
5.1. Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards
Some of the other things that natural dentists near you do include: 1. Avoiding the use of BPA fillings, especially in children and pregnant patients. 2. They practice holistic dental care, considering the overall wellbeing of the patient. Many of the procedures are non-toxic and minimally invasive. 3. They will also view the mouth as a critical component of the body, interacting with all the other organs and biological functions. 4. The state-of-the-art dental materials and equipment are mercury-free, meeting and even surpassing the FDA and OSHA guidelines and requirements. Reducing exposure to harmful dental materials and heavy metals at all costs.
Within the first few minutes of stepping into a natural dentistry practice, you should be able to tell what they are all about and whether they are worth your time and money. The cleanliness and hygiene standards in the practice are the first indicators you should consider. While not a direct indication of how good their treatments will be, a practice that is not as clean and hygienic is not one you should be considering at all.
5.2. Use of Natural Products
In order to assure the best quality of natural dental products, a patient should be mindful and always check the label before making a purchase. Nowadays, with fascinating industry progress, most natural stores offer items necessary to select something suitable to maintain excellent natural teeth health or operate within the healthiest natural dental office. Plus, it’s a great idea for dentists to encourage the patient to foster dental health and encourage the use of the right products to ensure continuous teeth and gums support. This includes fluoride treatments, which help re-mineralize the teeth, or biocompatible rinses composed of natural ingredients that are able to nourish healthy bacteria. The consumption of alcohol, preservatives, tenderness, or even some other chemicals should be diminished in patients as they can potentially induce negative endocrine impacts. Prevent these issues by being cautious and selecting the highest quality items that can be bought.
There is a variety of products that a natural dentist may prescribe or use at the office, which should have good quality natural ingredients that can also support health. Some of these products used in the office treat the oral cavity of patients, such as toothpaste, rinses, or fluoride treatments. Nevertheless, others may be recommended for use by sensitive patients. An example of such a product is dental sealants. While many mainstream dentists prefer to use sealants made of BPA-containing material, health-oriented practitioners select sealants that are BPA-free. In the case of natural doctors, who focus on a holistic approach to the patient and view teeth as connected to the body, the product supports dental health in general, boosting wellbeing. This includes different variations of special natural healing remedies for teeth health, treatments, or hormonal support. This is why many patients cherish medical practitioner advice and trust natural doctors when it concerns their holistic health.
6. Step 4: Meeting the Dentist
Also, ask to see any available photographs of current patients that have the same condition as yours. That will give you an opportunity to find out if this cosmetic dentist can help you accomplish the results that you want. Ask him/her if the dentist would recommend a type of procedure that would suit your needs. You can also examine whether the before and after photos are of actual patients and not stock photos. Not all of the patients would decide to undergo invasive dental procedures so they can have the most attractive smile. Holistic dental operations could do plenty of procedures that can create a lovely smile. With the aid of equipment like crowns, bonding, bridges, and veneers, a dental practitioner practicing holistic dentistry will exhibit the necessary talents for this type of process.
When you go to the office, take the opportunity to meet the natural dentist in person. It’s not necessary to have a full dental examination, but you do want to see the office firsthand and meet the dentist and the staff. Pay attention to many different factors while you’re meeting the dentist. You’ll want to notice if the natural dentist is friendly, professional, and easy to talk to. You’ll want to notice if the office staff is helpful and friendly. Experience matters. Experience matters in all professions, and dentistry is no exception. When you’re looking for a natural dentist, find out how long the dentist has been practicing and if there’s anyone at the office with special training in holistic dentistry. This is not to say that young, inexperienced dentists can’t be good; but a long and successful track record of helping patients get well is certainly a good sign.
6.1. Consultation and Communication
One of the best and most fundamental premises of holistic healthcare, as practiced by naturopaths, chiropractors, nutritionists, and others, is that “the Doctor of the Future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Great effort is made to teach patients this advice and allow the patient to “participate”. Such advice allows and enables the patient to prevent future healthcare problems and “do it yourself” at home after initial professional evaluation and advice. Preventing disease is the primary concern, but once disease is present, then restoring health can be accomplished through detoxification, diet, and the natural remedies the practitioner uses. With the correct information and knowledge, healing and longevity can be maintained and even repaired, but ultimately “You are your own best Doctor”. The dentist is no different than the naturopath, nutritionist, and chiropractor in that manner. In natural, holistic, alternative, or biological dentistry, the dentist’s focus is not only the mouth but the health of the total person attached to those teeth and within the scope of his care. The patient must also be interested in the care of their teeth and body. They must be able to trust their dentist and have open and effective passages of communication.
Use the information in this guide to find the best natural and holistic dentist near you. In many instances, patients find natural dentists in non-traditional ways such as through friend referrals, looking on the internet, or simply picking one out of the phone book or internet search. The consultation is not often done in advance of treatment itself, as is done in most other forms of healthcare, and patients may be in an “emergency” situation where waiting is not an option.
7. Conclusion
You are ready to meet with your potential natural dentist! By following the comprehensive recommended questions to ask your potential dentist, as well as taking careful note of observations of their practice environment, you will be prepared to make the best decision for your oral healthcare. You should ask open-ended questions and give your dentist time to properly address your concerns. A natural dentist should be more than willing to patiently answer your questions and discuss your treatment plan with you in a thoughtful, unhurried manner. After your visit, it’s important to reflect on whether you feel comfortable, are able to develop rapport, and trust your dentist. If so, congratulations! You have found the right natural dentist for you. If not, remember that it’s perfectly fine to keep searching until you find a dentist who will partner with you in creating a health-promoting, wellness-centered, biological dental environment. Good luck in your quest for the best holistic dentist!
7.1. Final Thoughts
It’s important that you feel comfortable, relaxed, and capable of open communication with your dentist. We should all take our health and preventive care seriously, as those visits to the dentist are the perfect time to talk about your overall health and how your mouth may be affecting your body. The relationship with your physician and dentist must feel rewarding and comfortable, enabling you to talk about all parts of your healthcare. You have taken a proactive approach by seeking an educated, dedicated natural dentist for both oral health and general healthcare – congratulations as you look to find the best fit!
You’ve got this! We recognize taking the time to find a dedicated holistic dentist can be a daunting task – but we know you are up for the challenge! Keep your checklist, reviews, and findings in a safe place so that when you need to visit your holistic dentist, you have all the resources at hand. If you felt we missed a major detail or didn’t answer all your questions, please feel free to leave a comment or shoot us an email. We are here to offer extra help and support when it’s needed. Remember: No question is too small!
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Key Questions to Ask When Searching for a Natural Dentist Near You
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