Biological Dentistry: Myths, Truths, and the Supporting Science

Course overview

Course Description Biological dentistry is often misunderstood-sometimes dismissed as unscientific and other times oversimplified as "holistic dentistry." This course clarifies what biological dentistry is and is not by examining common myths, emerging evidence, and established science relevant to modern dental practice. Participants will explore how oral inflammation, materials, airway health, oxidative stress, microbiology, and systemic connections are evaluated through a biological dentistry lens. Emphasis is placed on evidence-informed principles, clinical reasoning, and patient-centered risk assessment-without promoting unproven claims or practices outside the dental scope of care. This course is designed to help dental professionals confidently discuss biological dentistry with patients and colleagues, understand where evidence is strong, where it is evolving, and how to critically evaluate claims encountered in marketing, social media, and continuing education. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: Differentiate common myths and misconceptions about biological dentistry from evidence-supported principles. Describe how inflammation, oxidative stress, oral microbiology, and airway health relate to systemic wellness within current scientific understanding. Identify dental materials and procedures that are commonly discussed in biological dentistry and summarize the scientific considerations associated with them. Evaluate emerging research related to oral-systemic connections using critical thinking and evidence-based frameworks. Communicate biological dentistry concepts clearly and responsibly to patients without exceeding scope of practice. Apply a biological perspective to clinical decision-making while maintaining ethical, evidence-informed standards of care.