Despite the growing buzz around it, there’s often confusion between terms such as “holistic dentistry,” “integrative dentistry,” and “biological dentistry.” While they may be seen as interchangeable, they distinctly diverge. Biological dentistry is intrinsically holistic and integrative, but not all holistic or integrative orientations can be termed biological.
So, what differentiates biological dentistry? It dares back to the mid-1980s, when Dr. Verigin and his colleague Dr. Ed Arana coined the term. These pioneers were influenced by their interests in energy medicine, acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Their focus shifted towards understanding and applying the principles of German Biological Medicine in dentistry.
German Biological Medicine, rooted in the work of Reckeweg, our understanding of the progression and potential reversal of illness, emphasizes the body’s innate healing abilities over direct disease treatment. This approach intrigued Dr. Verigin and Dr. Arana, sparking their quest to explore and apply it in dental practices.
Absorbing this wisdom, they steered towards establishing an organization where like-minded dentists could learn and engage. Their initiative culminated in building the American Academy of Biological Dentistry, which transformed into the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) we know today.
The crux of the biological approach stems from how we view patients’ dental situations in the context of their total toxic burden. This takes into consideration the state of the patient’s biological terrain — the body’s extracellular matrix, a key to self-regulation abilities.
Ignoring the terrain could lead to unpredictable post-dental procedure recovery, such as after amalgam removal or root canal extraction. A healthy terrain is crucial to ensure seamless, long-term healing, a core philosophy that underpins biological medicine and dentistry.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) also certifies Biological Dental Hygienists. These professionals explore the root causes of oral diseases, reaching far beyond the realm of conventional dentistry. Grounded in the principles of Biological Regulatory Medicine, they underline the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Thus, biological dentistry fuses modern technology with age-old wisdom, designed around a thorough understanding of oral health and its effects on overall well-being. Striving towards a holistic treatment plan, a certified Biological Dental Hygienist considers every patient’s unique needs within the context of their overall health. Thus, nurturing the biological terrain ultimately connects oral health with the prospect of holistic healing and continued wellness.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) is a network of dentists, physicians, and health professionals committed to promoting biological dentistry. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our advocacy for biocompatible dental materials and toxin-free practices.