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Natural Awakenings Milwaukee Magazine

Ahead of the Curve Holistic Dentists Prioritized Patient Health Before COVID-19

Aug 01, 2020 09:00AM ● By Supriya Shetty
With the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it has become shockingly obvious how ill prepared many medical institutions were for such an overwhelming number of patients. As the numbers of affected patients increased, we quickly saw how rapidly healthcare workers were without proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The pandemic causes us to wonder if traditional medicine does enough to protect patients and providers from harmful contaminants. And if not, is it a systemic breakdown of supply chains, or is it a philosophical flaw? While no provider would ever intentionally put themselves or their patients in harm’s way, there are two basic schools of thought when it comes to health care: proactive and preventive, or reactive and treatment-based. Holistic dental providers believe in the first approach. As COVID has changed our communities, our way of life and our work day, one thing it hasn’t changed is our philosophy and approach to patient care.

Prevention, Protection, Personalization   


Our viewpoint is that every patient is different and needs to be treated according to their specific needs. From the patient who wants to merely remove amalgam (mercury) fillings, to the patient concerned about the influence of dental materials on bio-energetic meridians, our goal is to provide each patient with the care that is right for them. We understand that the mouth is only one part of the puzzle. After the teeth are returned to optimal health, the process of returning to physical optimal health continues. Detoxification, cleansing, proper nutrition and elimination of harmful habits all play an equally important and long-term role in achieving the healthier body you are seeking. This is what biological dentistry is all about.

Until recently, dentistry rarely considered the impact of a patient’s oral health on their physical health. In fact, dentists usually didn’t even take a patient’s physical health into consideration when evaluating oral health. Today, not only do holistic dentists realize that physical conditions such as diabetes, poor nutrition and smoking have a very real impact on oral health, we are also seeing new studies every day on how poor oral health can contribute to such physical conditions as heart disease, diabetes and complications during pregnancy.

A Safe Alternative to Traditional Dentistry


A biological, natural or holistic dentist is one that understands the mouth-body relationship and only performs dental procedures backed by scientific studies and evidence. We also place incredible emphasis on patient comfort and safety. We provide several services that demonstrate our commitment to this. For example, we implement protocols that ensure patient and provider safety at all times such as safe removal of mercury fillings, ultraviolet lights for sterilization, ozone treatments, charcoal air purification and more. Biological dentists recognize that what goes in your mouth can affect your whole body. We are committed to using safe, durable, non-toxic, bio-compatible dental materials, and strictly oppose the use of mercury fillings. This commitment helps to lessen the toxic load and puts less stress on your immune system. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, holistic dentists were already providing outstanding infection control and safety measures, as well as the safest dental materials for their patient’s overall health. Often, the biggest difference patients notice when they visit a biological dental office is the individualized approach to care. The days of “one size fits all” dentistry is on the way out, and that is a good thing for everyone.

One positive thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted is the long-standing quality of care that holistic dentistry has always focused upon. 

Dr. Supriya Shetty works at Integrative Dental Solutions which is located at N35W23770 Capitol Dr., Pewaukee. She is a graduate of New York University School of Dentistry and a member of the Huggins Alliance, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and the International Association for Orthodontics. She is also accredited and SMART certified by IAOMT, and a fellow of AACP. Since joining Integrative Dental Solutions in 2007, she has completely embraced the concept of holistic dentistry. Originally from India, Shetty lives with her three kids and husband in Brookfield, and her daughter recently started college this fall. With a focus on patient care above all else, Integrative Dental Solutions is excited to re-open its doors and start providing care again soon. For more information, call 262-421-4389, email [email protected] or visit WINaturalDentist.com. To learn more about what Shetty and her team can do for you, fill out their online request for an appointment at WINaturalDentist.com/request-an-appointment.