Questions to Ask a Biological Dentist Before Your First Appointment

Choosing a new dentist is a personal decision, and when you're exploring biological or holistic dentistry, it helps to go into that search feeling informed and prepared. Knowing which questions to ask can help you understand a practice's approach, assess whether it aligns with your values, and have a more productive conversation with any dentist you're considering.

This guide walks you through the key questions worth raising, what to listen for in the answers, and what to keep in mind as you explore your options. It is intended as educational background only — your own dentist or healthcare provider is the right person to advise you on your individual care.

What Is a Biological Dentist?

Biological dentistry — also referred to as holistic dentistry, integrative dentistry, or biocompatible dentistry — is a philosophy of dental care that considers oral health as part of overall body health. Practitioners in this field generally aim to use materials and techniques they consider to be as biocompatible as possible, and many take a strong interest in how dental treatments may interact with the rest of the body.

It is worth noting that "biological dentist" is not a legally protected title in most countries, and training, credentials, and clinical approaches can vary considerably from one practice to the next. This is one of the key reasons why asking thorough questions matters so much. For a broader overview of how this approach compares to conventional care, our article Biological vs. Conventional Dentistry: Unpacking the Differences may be a helpful starting point.

Who Might Consider Seeing a Biological Dentist?

People seek out biological dentists for a wide variety of reasons. Some have concerns about specific materials used in conventional dentistry, such as mercury-based amalgam fillings. Others are looking for a practice that takes a more comprehensive view of their health, communicates openly about treatment options and materials, or integrates more closely with other healthcare providers. Some parents seek out holistic approaches for their children — you can read more about that in our guide to pediatric biological dentistry.

Biological dentistry is not the right fit for everyone, and it is not a replacement for evidence-based dental care. A qualified dental professional can help you decide whether this approach suits your particular health circumstances.

13 Questions to Ask a Biological Dentist

The following questions are designed to help you understand how a practice operates, what materials and protocols they use, and how they approach patient wellbeing. There are no universally "correct" answers — what matters is that the responses align with your own priorities and that the dentist communicates clearly and honestly.

1. What does your practice mean by "biological dentistry," and how does that show up in your day-to-day care?

Because the term is used in many different ways, it is worth asking each practice to describe their own philosophy in concrete terms. Some may focus primarily on mercury-free materials, while others take a broader integrative approach. Understanding what the term means to them specifically will help you assess the fit.

2. What materials do you use for fillings and restorations, and why?

Many patients exploring biological dentistry are interested in alternatives to mercury-amalgam fillings. Ask which materials the practice uses, what factors guide those choices, and whether biocompatibility testing is available. Some practices offer testing to help identify materials that may be better tolerated by an individual patient, though the evidence base for different testing methods varies.

3. Do you offer safe amalgam removal, and what protocol do you follow?

If you have existing amalgam fillings and are considering having them removed, this is one of the most important questions to ask. Safe removal protocols — such as those outlined by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) — typically include precautions such as rubber dam placement, high-volume suction, sectioning the filling into chunks rather than grinding it, and providing supplemental oxygen or air filtration. Ask the dentist to walk you through their specific steps.

4. Are you trained in, or do you follow, a recognized amalgam removal protocol such as SMART?

The IAOMT's SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol is one widely referenced framework for minimizing mercury exposure during amalgam removal. Asking whether a dentist is familiar with or certified in such a protocol can give you a clearer sense of their training and commitment to safety standards during this type of procedure.

5. What is your approach to fluoride?

Fluoride use is an area where biological dentists' views can differ significantly from mainstream dental guidelines. Many biological dentists limit or avoid fluoride, while major dental health organizations continue to recommend it as an evidence-based tool for cavity prevention. This is an important topic to discuss openly so you understand what your care will and won't include, and can make an informed decision alongside your dental team.

6. What is your position on root canal treatments?

Some biological dentists express concerns about root canal-treated teeth remaining in the body and prefer tooth extraction followed by a tooth replacement option in certain cases. Others may offer root canals with specific modifications. Views in this area are not universally shared within the dental profession, and the evidence around root canal safety continues to be discussed. Our article on the concerns raised about root canal treatments explores this topic in more depth. Ask the dentist to explain their specific position and what alternatives they offer.

7. What dental technologies and diagnostic tools do you use?

Ask about the diagnostic and treatment technologies available in the practice. Examples that some biological dental offices feature include digital X-rays (which use lower radiation than traditional film X-rays), cone beam CT imaging, ozone therapy, laser dentistry, and air filtration systems. Understanding what tools are available — and the rationale behind their use — can give you a good sense of how up-to-date and thoughtful the practice is.

8. How do you approach prevention and long-term oral health?

A strong preventive philosophy is a hallmark of many biological dental practices. Ask how the dentist approaches nutrition, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors as part of your ongoing care. Understanding their approach to keeping you healthy — not just treating problems when they arise — is a useful indicator of how they think about patient wellbeing.

9. Do you use metal restorations or implants, and what are your views on implant materials?

Some biological dentists avoid metal restorations and prefer ceramic or zirconia alternatives where appropriate. For implants specifically, some practices offer zirconia (ceramic) implants as an alternative to titanium. Ask about the options available to you, the reasoning behind any recommendations, and what the evidence says about different materials for your situation.

10. What sedation options do you offer, and what are the implications of each?

Comfort during dental procedures matters. Ask what sedation or anxiety-management options the practice offers — for example, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation — and what the practice's experience and protocols are for each. If you have preferences or concerns about specific sedation methods, raise them at this stage.

11. Do you incorporate any complementary therapies, and what is the evidence behind them?

Some biological dental practices integrate complementary approaches such as ozone therapy, low-level laser therapy, acupuncture, or nutritional guidance alongside conventional dental care. If any of these are offered, it is reasonable to ask about the supporting evidence and how they fit into your overall treatment plan. The strength of evidence varies considerably across different complementary approaches.

12. Do you work alongside other healthcare providers, and how does that collaboration work in practice?

One characteristic that many patients value in biological dental care is a willingness to communicate with other members of their healthcare team — for example, a general practitioner, naturopath, or nutritionist. Ask whether the practice coordinates care with other providers and how that process typically works.

13. What are your qualifications, memberships, and ongoing training?

Because "biological dentist" is not a regulated title, it is entirely reasonable to ask about a dentist's formal qualifications, any relevant additional training, and membership in professional organisations such as the IAOMT or the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM). This helps you understand their background and ongoing commitment to this area of practice.

Focused Questions About Amalgam Removal

If safe amalgam removal is a priority for you, the topic deserves a more detailed conversation. Here are some additional questions that can help you assess how a practice approaches this procedure.

What steps do you take to protect the patient during amalgam removal?

Look for answers that include rubber dam usage, high-volume suction or evacuation, sectioning of the filling, supplemental oxygen or an alternative air source for the patient, and protective coverings to minimise skin and clothing contact. The specific combination of precautions may vary by practice and by the protocol they follow.

How do you minimise mercury vapour release during the procedure?

Mercury vapour is released when amalgam fillings are disturbed. Ask what specific steps the practice takes — such as keeping the filling cool with water, cutting it into sections rather than grinding, and using adequate suction — to reduce vapour generation and exposure.

What do you recommend before and after amalgam removal?

Some practices recommend specific nutritional supplements or preparatory steps before removal, and some may suggest follow-up support for the body's natural detoxification processes afterward. Ask what, if anything, the practice recommends, and why. Note that chelation therapy following amalgam removal is a topic where practices vary and where medical supervision is generally advised — speak with your broader healthcare team about any such recommendations.

How do you replace the filling once the amalgam is removed?

Ask what material will be used to restore the tooth once the old filling is removed, and whether biocompatibility testing is available to help guide that choice.

What to Keep in Mind When Evaluating Responses

A good biological dentist — like any good dentist — should be willing to explain their reasoning clearly, acknowledge where the evidence is strong or limited, and respect your right to ask questions and weigh your options. Be thoughtful about any practice that makes sweeping claims, promises specific health outcomes, or dismisses the value of conventional dental care entirely.

It is also worth being aware that some positions common in biological dentistry — such as concerns about fluoride and root canals — are not universally shared within mainstream dentistry, and that patients benefit from understanding both perspectives. Our article addressing common misconceptions about biological dentistry may help you think through some of these nuances.

If you have questions about whether biological dentistry is appropriate for your specific situation, a conversation with a qualified dental professional is the best next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is biological dentistry?

Biological dentistry is a philosophy of care that views oral health as connected to the health of the whole body. Practitioners typically aim to use biocompatible materials and techniques, and many take an interest in how dental treatments interact with overall health. Approaches and emphasis can vary significantly between practices. Our FAQ on biological dentistry covers many of the most common questions in detail.

Is biological dentistry the same as holistic dentistry?

The terms are often used interchangeably, though individual practitioners may prefer one term over another. Both generally reflect a whole-body, patient-centred philosophy of dental care. The specific practices and materials used can differ considerably from one dentist to the next.

How do biological dentists remove amalgam fillings?

Many biological dentists follow a structured safe removal protocol that may include rubber dam placement, high-volume suction, cutting the filling into sections to reduce drilling, water cooling, and providing supplemental oxygen or filtered air to the patient. Specific protocols vary. Ask any dentist you are considering to describe their process in detail.

Should I be concerned about mercury in my existing fillings?

This is a topic where opinions vary within the dental and medical community. Major health organisations including the WHO and most national dental associations consider intact amalgam fillings in adults to pose a low health risk for most people, though they do acknowledge that mercury is released in small amounts over time. Some individuals — including pregnant women, children, and people with kidney conditions — may be advised to avoid new amalgam placements. Speak with your dentist and, where relevant, your doctor about your specific circumstances.

Who should consider seeing a biological dentist?

People who are particularly interested in the materials used in their dental care, those who prefer a more integrative approach to health, or anyone who wants a dentist willing to discuss the broader health implications of dental treatment may find a biological dental practice a good fit. It is not the right choice for everyone, and routine evidence-based dental care remains important regardless of the approach you choose.

What should I ask a biological dentist before booking an appointment?

Start with questions about their qualifications and training, their approach to amalgam and mercury-free materials, their safe amalgam removal protocol if relevant to you, their views on fluoride and root canals, and how they collaborate with other healthcare providers. The 13 questions in this article offer a useful framework to guide that conversation.