Patients increasingly search for terms such as biomimetic dentist, biological dentist, holistic dentist, integrative dentist, functional dentist or minimally invasive dentist. These terms are used differently and are not all recognized dental specialties.
What these approaches often have in common
A desire to preserve healthy tooth structure, avoid unnecessary intervention, select materials thoughtfully, consider function and maintenance, and understand the person rather than treating an isolated tooth.
Biomimetic dentistry
An approach focused on preserving tooth structure and restoring teeth in ways intended to reproduce natural mechanical behaviour.
Biological / holistic / integrative dentistry
Broad, non-standardized terms often used for dentistry that emphasizes conservatism, material choices and the relationship between oral and general health. Claims should still be evaluated according to evidence and the individual patient.
Functional dentistry
A loosely defined term commonly associated with chewing, bite, oral function and sometimes airway-related considerations. My prosthodontic assessment considers function alongside biology, appearance and long-term maintenance.
My position
I welcome collaboration with dentists and patients who value these principles. My approach remains evidence-informed: preserve where reasonable, intervene when justified, explain uncertainty, and avoid using a philosophy as a substitute for diagnosis.