by Sheila Julson

Dr. Udoka Holinbeck of Bionica Dental Wellness comes from a family of health practitioners. She was born in Nigeria and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and as an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she tried to follow her family’s footsteps in medicine, but she quickly became bored. “It didn’t give me an opportunity to be hands-on and crafty,” she reflects. “I wanted to nurture my artistic side.”

A mentor suggested to Holinbeck that she explore dentistry. She shadowed a dentist and immediately knew that it was the right profession for her. “I’ve been lucky in that I went down a path that was meant for me. I think a lot of people spend quite a bit of time looking for that thing that is going to keep them engaged.” She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at University of Southern California in 2011.

Like most dental students, Holinbeck received conventional dentistry training, but she was curious about other options and better ways to treat patients. Her continuous thirst for knowledge sent her toward biological dentistry, an approach that makes every effort to eliminate toxicity and considers the oral health-whole body connection. She started taking continuing education courses after dental school. Her interest in holistic wellness furthered when she became pregnant with her first son.

Holinbeck practiced dentistry in Houston before moving to Wisconsin, her husband’s home state, to be close to family members. She joined Integrative Dental Solutions, in Pewaukee, where she trained in biological dentistry techniques. She developed her own approach and opened Bionica Dental Wellness this past April.

A key component of biological dentistry is avoiding metals and other dental materials that can be toxic. “We do not use metal, or amalgam fillings, and we take that a step further by avoiding certain resin materials that are high in bisphenol A (BPA) components. Every material I use is carefully tested and vetted by me. I have a naturopathic doctor on staff, Dr. Brian Borden, who tests patients for biocompatibility,” Holinbeck affirms.

She’s certified in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, commonly known as SMART, through the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT). The process involves taking all precautions to minimize ingestion of mercury vapor during amalgam removal. Holinbeck also uses ceramic, metal-free implants, an option that eliminates risk of corrosion and allergies that can result from metal dental materials.

Another staple of biological dentistry is ozone/oxygen therapy, which Holinbeck uses to help kill the microbes that cause tooth decay and infections, and promotes healing. She adds that it also helps reduce risk of needing root canal surgery by regenerating pulp tissue. In addition, she uses platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy to help bones and gums heal. “PRP uses the patient as the source of his or her own grafting,” she notes. With PRP, a patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, fibrin and white blood cells, which are placed at the site of infection to promote healing.

Biological tooth extraction services involve carefully preparing and cleaning the site to reduce risk of bone death and cavitations—holes in the jawbone that can harbor bacteria. Holinbeck also developed a product line of natural dental care products that includes tooth powder, mouthwash, oil pulling agents and lip balm. The products can be purchased at the dental office or ordered through BionicaNaturals.com.

Holinbeck strives to go the extra mile to help patients feel comfortable at the clinic, and she highly praised her Bionica Dental Wellness team for supporting her mission. “I could not have asked for better people who are so compassionate about our patients,” she enthuses. “We take what we do seriously and have integrity, but we’re really lighthearted and create a relaxing, friendly vibe to help put people at ease.”

Outside of the office, Holinbeck and her husband stay busy raising their 2- and 4-year-old sons. She’s also dedicated to the Delafield community and collected school supplies for the United Way’s Backpack Coalition. Holinbeck also volunteers at the Lake Area Free Clinic, in Oconomowoc. “For me, it’s not just about coming to work. All of us have a mission on this Earth that’s outside of us,” she concludes.

Bionica Dental Wellness is located at 2566 Sun Valley Dr., Delafield. For more information, call 262-337-9745 or visit BionicaDentalWellness.com.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.