In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Staci Whitman, a board-certified pediatric, integrative, and naturopathic dentist. Dr. Staci is one of the few dentists certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine, is the founder of a leading functional pediatric dental practice, co-founder of the Institute for Functional Dentistry, and a passionate educator on the oral-systemic connection. She recently appeared on the Huberman Lab Podcast and did an outstanding job representing the dental profession!
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Dr. Staci’s personal journey from traditional dental training to pioneering a holistic, root-cause approach to pediatric dentistry.
- The challenges and limitations of current dental education and practice models.
- How burnout affects dental professionals—and how a functional approach can restore purpose and satisfaction.
- The truth about fluoride, the latest research, and why open-minded discussion is critical.
- The oral and gut microbiome: what it means for your health, how it connects to systemic wellness, and why it’s the next frontier in dentistry.
- Actionable steps for parents, patients, and providers to improve oral health, including nutrition, hydration, airway health, stress management, and hygiene.
- The importance of individualized care, patient education, and shifting away from a “one-size-fits-all” model.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
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