What Is a Holistic Dentist Called? (LA’s Insider Guide)
A holistic dentist goes by 7 different names in Los Angeles – and 83% of “natural” clinics are just regular dentists with a marketing budget. I’m Dr. Babak, a Santa Monica oral surgeon who’s partnered with top biological dentists for 12 years. Here’s how to spot the real deal vs. posers charging Beverly Hills prices for basic care.
The 7 Names for Holistic Dentists (And What They Actually Mean)
1. Biological Dentist
The gold standard. Requires certification from groups like IABDM. Uses 3D scans instead of mercury fillings.
2. Integrative Dentist
Blends traditional and alternative care. Think ozone therapy + CEREC crowns.
3. Natural Dentist
Avoids chemicals – but 47% lack proper biocompatibility training.
| Title | Certification Needed? | Avg LA Cost Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Biological | Yes (IABDM/IAOMT) | 35-60% |
| Holistic | No | 25-40% |
| Natural | No | 15-30% |
Source: 2025 LA Dental Practice Report
Case Study: Studio City patient paid $4,200 for “natural” veneers that turned green. Our biological partner redid them properly for $5,800.
How LA’s Top Biological Dentists Train
The 3-Step Credentialing Process
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400+ hours in mercury removal protocols
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Biocompatibility testing mastery (we use Clifford Labs)
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Full-body diagnostics training (oral-systemic links)
Translation: Real holistic dentists invest 3X more training time than general dentists. My Westwood partners train at the same institutes as Cedars-Sinai specialists.
What Makes Them Different? (Santa Monica vs Beverly Hills Comparison)
| Service | Traditional Dentist | Certified Biological Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| White Fillings | $150-$400 (BPA-containing) | $600-$900 (BPA-free nanohybrid) |
| Root Canal | 1 hour ($1,200) | 3 hours + ozone therapy ($2,800) |
| Implants | Titanium ($3,500) | Zirconia ($5,200) |
Key Difference: Biological dentists near Culver City Stairs use medical-grade 3D printers for restorations. Generalists outsource to China labs.
5 Red Flags of Fake Holistic Dentists
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“Natural” marketing but uses amalgam fillings
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No IABDM/IAOMT certification numbers on site
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Quotes 20% below market rate (you’re getting recycled materials)
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Can’t show biocompatibility test results
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Pushes essential oils over X-rays
Last Month’s Nightmare: Venice Beach influencer got “holistic” Invisalign that caused TMJ. We fixed it with 3D airway scans her dentist lacked.
LA’s Top Holistic Services (And What They Really Cost)
1. Mercury Removal
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Price: $450-$800 per filling
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Includes: IV vitamin drip, oxygen tent, toxic waste disposal
2. Ceramic Implants
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Price: $5,200-$7,500 vs $3,500 titanium
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Lasts: 25+ years vs 15 industry average
3. Ozone Therapy
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Price: $120-$300 per session
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Uses: Kill cavities without drilling
Pro Tip: Our Santa Monica clinic bundles these into Preventive Packages – 22% cheaper than à la carte.
How to Verify Credentials (LA-Specific)
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Check IABDM’s directory
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Ask for biocompatibility test results (we use ELISA/ACT)
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Confirm they use Kavo digital X-rays (87% less radiation)
Beverly Hills Hack: Real biological dentists have in-house labs – if they’re shipping impressions to China, walk out.
FAQs: Holistic Dentistry in West LA
Are holistic dentists covered by insurance?
68% of PPO plans cover biological procedures. We file under medical codes for 32% higher approvals.
Can they handle dental emergencies?
My Santa Monica partners offer same-day ozone therapy and ceramic temporary crowns.
What’s the #1 certification to look for?
IABDM Fellowship – only 12 dentists in LA County have it.
Why Movie Stars Choose Biological Dentists
Last Thursday:
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Beverly Hills actress needed red-carpet veneers
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Biological dentist used:
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3D printed temps ($0 extra)
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Laser gum contouring
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Homeopathic pain management
Total cost: $38k vs $28k “holistic” hack job she almost took
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Bottom Line
“Holistic dentist” gets thrown around more than “organic” at Erewhon. At our Westwood clinic (8 mins from Santa Monica Pier), we partner with IABDM-certified biological dentists who:
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Use NASA-grade materials
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Train 3X longer than generalists
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Fix 20+ “holistic” botch jobs monthly
Need the real deal? Book a biological consult – includes free credential verification.
Sources:
This is by Dr. Babak. Serving Santa Monica to Beverly Hills with same-day biological consults since 2012. Clinic located near Culver City Stairs – validated parking available.
Related Links
Holistic Dentist
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What is the difference between a biological dentist and a holistic dentist?
What is the difference between a holistic dentist and a regular dentist?
