What Is a Holistic Dentist and How Is Their Approach Different from a Regular Dentist?

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Written by
Dr. Jenna Kerbrat

Dr. Kerbrat was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where she began her dental career as a dental assistant. This invaluable experience allowed her to work closely with patients and dentists, providing her with a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate and comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Kerbrat’s journey in the field of dentistry lead her all the way to Melbourne, Australia. This is where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Her time spent in Australia allowed her to gain a deep understanding of dental practices and patient care within a diverse and vibrant community. Dr. Kerbrat enjoys focusing on whole-body health and personalized treatment to enhance overall well-being.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Kerbrat enjoys travelling, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

what is a holistic dentist and how is their approach different from a regular dentist

Many people are starting to look at their health in a new way. Instead of just fixing a problem, they want to find out why it happened.

If you have been looking for a holistic dentist in Calgary, you might be wondering how they are different from the ones you have seen before. This way of thinking doesn’t just look at your teeth.

It looks at your whole body. A holistic provider believes that what happens in your mouth can affect your heart, your stomach, and how you feel every day.

What Is The Main Idea Behind This Approach?

A holistic provider looks at the “big picture.” They know that your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body.

While a regular office might just fix a cavity, a holistic team wants to make sure the materials they use are safe for your whole system.

  • Body Connection: They believe that gum problems can sometimes lead to health issues in other parts of the body.
  • Finding the “Why”: Instead of just filling a hole, they look at your diet and habits to see why the cavity started.
  • Safe Materials: They only use things that work well with your body’s natural chemistry.
  • Gentle Care: The goal is to save as much of your natural tooth as possible using very careful methods.

How Are The Materials Different?

One of the biggest changes you will see is what the fillings and crowns are made of. If you visit a holistic dentist near you, you will notice they don’t use any metal or mercury.

They choose materials that are tested to make sure they won’t cause a bad reaction in your body.

MaterialHolistic ChoiceWhy?
FillingsComposite (BPA-free)No mercury and looks like a real tooth
ImplantsCeramic (Zirconia)Metal-free and very strong
CleaningNatural mineralsUses things like ozone or salt instead of chemicals
CrownsPorcelainSafe, long-lasting, and very pretty

Why Is Nutrition So Important Here?

In this type of office, the team will often talk to you about what you eat. They know that a mouth with a lot of cavities is often a sign that the body is missing certain vitamins.

  • Strong Teeth: They might suggest foods that help your teeth stay hard and healthy.
  • Vitamin Help: They talk about Vitamins D and K, which help your body use minerals the right way.
  • Acid Balance: They teach you how to keep your mouth from being too acidic, which stops cavities.
  • Healthy Gut: Since eating starts in the mouth, keeping it healthy helps your stomach feel better, too.

Checking On How You Breathe And Sleep

Holistic providers also look at how you breathe. Sometimes, problems like grinding your teeth or having a small jaw can make it hard to breathe at night.

By looking at the shape of your mouth, they can help find out why you might be snoring or feeling tired all day.

This is about much more than just teeth; it is about making sure you get enough air to stay healthy and energetic.

How Do They Handle Old Metal Fillings?

If you have old silver fillings, a holistic office uses a very special and safe way to take them out.

They follow a set of safety rules to make sure you don’t breathe in any tiny bits of metal or vapor. They use special filters and tools to keep the air clean.

This extra care is a big part of what makes this approach different. They want to make sure your body stays clean and safe while they fix your smile.

Using Technology For Natural Healing

The tools in a holistic office are often picked because they help the body heal itself.

For example, some use a natural gas called ozone to kill germs without using strong medicine. Others might use lasers that are very gentle on the gums.

These high-tech tools are used to support your body’s natural power to get better, rather than just cutting or drilling. It makes the visit much more comfortable for you.

A Healthier Path For Your Whole Body

Choosing a provider who looks at your whole health can change how you think about your smile.

At Health First Dental, the focus is always on giving you care that is safe, kind, and good for your whole body. The team is here to help you have a healthy mouth that helps you feel great every day.

We believe that when you take care of the small things in the mouth, your whole body can thrive. Call us right now to book your visit, reach out today and let us help you get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they real dental professionals?

Yes! They have the same training and licenses as any other dental worker. They just choose to use a philosophy that looks at how your mouth health affects the rest of your body.

Do they still take X-rays?

Yes, but they usually use digital machines that have much lower radiation. They only take them when they really need to, so that you stay safe.

Why don’t they use fluoride?

Many holistic providers think there are more natural ways to keep teeth strong, like using minerals from food or special toothpastes. They prefer to avoid using too many chemicals.

Can I switch to a holistic office?

Yes, anyone can switch. They can help you make a plan to slowly change out old materials for newer, safer ones that fit your health goals.

Erin, Front Desk Administrator/Hygiene Coordinator

Erin is the newest addition to the Health First Dental team. After raising 4 awesome kids she has joined the work force again. Erin began work many years ago in reception and customer/patient care for an orthopedic surgical centre and she is excited to be back at it. She has been a long-time patient of Dr. Freiberg and has known the Health First Dental team for many years. She is so happy to be a part of the team now.

Melanie, Registered Dental Assistant

Melanie brings a unique perspective to her role, having transitioned from a successful 17-year career in retail to the dental field. A graduate of the Risio Institute for Digital Education, she combines her extensive customer service experience with a deep commitment to patient care, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at ease during their visits.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys painting, taking walks, and traveling to new places. She loves sunsets and spending quality time with her fur-baby who is an adorable Chorkie. Melanie is committed to continuously learning and growing in her role with the goal of always providing the best support to her patients and colleagues alike.

Michelle, Registered Dental Assistant

Jennifer is a dedicated and skilled Registered Dental Assistant that has been with Health First Dental since 2007. She is known for her strong attention to detail, compassionate patient care, and exceptional clinical skills, Jennifer is passionate about ensuring patients feel both comfortable and informed throughout their dental treatment.

Specializing in a variety of dental procedures, Jennifer assists in restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry, contributing to the high standard of care that Health First Dental is known for. Her commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction is reflected in every aspect of her work.

When not assisting in the dental office, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.

Jennifer, Registered Dental Assistant

Jennifer is a dedicated and skilled Registered Dental Assistant that has been with Health First Dental since 2007. She is known for her strong attention to detail, compassionate patient care, and exceptional clinical skills, Jennifer is passionate about ensuring patients feel both comfortable and informed throughout their dental treatment.

Specializing in a variety of dental procedures, Jennifer assists in restorative, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry, contributing to the high standard of care that Health First Dental is known for. Her commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction is reflected in every aspect of her work.

When not assisting in the dental office, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.

Amanda, Registered Dental Assistant

Amanda is originally from Saskatchewan and moved to Calgary to attend school at SAIT where she completed her Dental Assisting diploma with honours. Amanda has been practicing as a dental assistant since 2004 and has been with the Health First Dental team since 2005.

Amanda values the quality of care each patient receives. Her skills and experience combined with her positive attitude and genuine love for patients raises our level of care at Health First Dental.

When not working, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids and dog.

Ryan, Registered Dental Hygenist

Ryan went to school in Regina, Saskatchewan and graduated in 2000. He joined Health First Dental in 2006 and enjoys the relationships he has built over the years. Ryan likes spending time with his wife and four children in his spare time.

Tracy, Registered Dental Hygenist

As a dedicated registered dental hygienist with over 25 years of experience, Tracy is genuinely committed to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health and well-being. She is committed to building strong relationships with patients and takes pride in creating a comfortable environment while ensuring thorough cleanings and personalized care.

Continuously striving to enhance her skills, Tracy keeps herself updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene through ongoing education and professional development. She is an active member of the Alberta College of Dental Hygienists.

Outside of her work at Health First Dental, you will find Tracy engaged with animal husbandry for numerous animals on the small hobby farm she shares with her husband and twin daughters. She also enjoys camping with her family, reading, and crafting.

Patricia, Registered Dental Hygenist

Patricia was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She completed her BSc with a major in human nutrition from St.F.X University in 1999. She went on to study dental hygiene at Dalhousie University, graduating in 2002. She moved to Calgary in the fall of 2002 and has been practicing dental hygiene ever since.

She enjoys all the relationships she has built over her 20+ year career. She is keen to educate patients and help them achieve a healthy smile to improve their overall health.

Outside of the office she purses her passion for fitness and dance, teaching ballet-based fitness classes. She enjoys escaping to the mountains to ski or hike with her husband, son, and dog.

Moni, Registered Dental Hygenist

Moni graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2001, moved to Calgary in 2002, and has enjoyed working as a dental hygienist since then.

She is passionate about oral health and believes prevention is the best medicine for overall health and your smile. She enjoys working with her patients to help them achieve their best oral and overall health and making new relationships.

Moni spends much of her free time with her husband, two sons, and dog, enjoying the outdoors, travel, and music.

Sommer, Front Desk Administrator/Hygiene Coordinator

Sommer has been a part of our team since 2016, serving as an Admin/Hygiene Coordinator. With a strong focus on patient care, she has developed a deep understanding of the importance of creating a welcoming and efficient environment for our patients. Currently on maternity leave to enjoy time with her first child, Sommer looks forward to returning and continuing to provide exceptional support to both our team and our patients.

Carol, Office Manager

Carol is a dedicated dental professional with over 38 years of experience in various aspects of dentistry. She has been with Health Frist Dental for over 23 years and is known for her exceptional people skills and commitment to patient care. Carol is highly knowledgeable in dental procedures, patient management, and team collaboration. She is passionate about building relationships with patients and colleagues alike.

Carol enjoys travelling with her husband and spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Dr. Jenna Kerbrat, Dentist

Dr. Kerbrat was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where she began her dental career as a dental assistant. This invaluable experience allowed her to work closely with patients and dentists, providing her with a unique perspective on the importance of compassionate and comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Kerbrat’s journey in the field of dentistry lead her all the way to Melbourne, Australia. This is where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Her time spent in Australia allowed her to gain a deep understanding of dental practices and patient care within a diverse and vibrant community. Dr. Kerbrat enjoys focusing on whole-body health and personalized treatment to enhance overall well-being.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Kerbrat enjoys travelling, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Sean Freiberg, Dentist

Dr. Sean Freiberg has been practicing health-centered dentistry for over 25 years with a robust academic background and a commitment to excellence in his field. He graduated Cum Laude from Brigham Young University in 1994, and furthered his education at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he earned his dental degree in 1999 with both clinical and academic high honors.

Dr. Freiberg took an interest in dental material during his academic training, which earned him the American Academy of Dental Materials Award. His research, published in the American Journal of Dentistry focused on the physical properties of resin based dental materials used as an alternate to ceramic. Additionally, Dr. Freiberg is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)–a global network of dentists, health professionals, and scientists who research the biocompatibility of dental products, including the risks of mercury fillings, fluoride, and root canals. (Click here to learn more about IAOMT)

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Freiberg enjoys spending time with his wife, 3 children, and 2 grandchildren. Dr. Freiberg is an avid outdoorsman. His passions include hiking, backcountry skiing, and participating in triathlons, reflecting his commitment to both personal well-being and a balanced lifestyle.

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