A holistic dentist is a dentist who describes their approach as considering the whole body, and not only the teeth, when planning care. In Australia it is a description of a style of practice. It is not a recognised dental specialty and it is not a separate qualification or registration.
Is holistic dentistry a recognised specialty?
No. The Dental Board of Australia recognises 13 dental specialties, such as orthodontics and periodontics, and holistic dentistry is not one of them. A dentist who uses the term holds the same general registration as any other dentist and must meet the same standards. You can check any practitioner on the public Ahpra register.
What holistic dentists usually emphasise
- Links between oral health and general health, such as gum disease and diabetes
- Prevention, diet and lifestyle
- Choice of filling materials, often avoiding amalgam
- Conservative treatment that keeps as much natural tooth as possible
- Breathing, sleep and jaw function
Many of these are part of good general dentistry too. Prevention, diet advice, tooth-coloured fillings and minimally invasive treatment are routine in most Australian practices.
What does the evidence say?
- The link between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease is well supported by research
- Amalgam fillings are considered suitable for most people by Australian health authorities. Removing sound amalgam fillings for general health reasons is not supported by evidence, and removal itself releases mercury vapour
- Some alternative therapies offered under the holistic label have little or no scientific support
It is reasonable to ask any dentist what evidence supports a treatment they recommend.
Questions to ask before you book
- What does holistic mean in your practice?
- What evidence supports this treatment?
- What are the alternatives, including doing nothing?
- What are the risks and the full cost?
Our approach at Penrith Dental Care
We are a general dental practice. We focus on prevention, explain how oral health relates to general health, use tooth-coloured filling materials and plan treatment conservatively. Read about preventive dental care, tooth-coloured fillings and what a dentist does.
To book a visit at Penrith Dental Care, 42 Castlereagh Street, Penrith, contact our team. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.