Holistic Dentistry Demystified in the Okanagan

When it comes to dentistry, the term “holistic” often generates a cloud of confusion. There's a prevalent misconception that holistic dentistry might mean offering dental solutions devoid of any traditional dentistry practices. However, holistic dentistry is much more than just an alternative dental practice; it's a comprehensive approach that goes beyond merely treating teeth.

Dr. Shauna Palmer, a distinguished dentist from West Kelowna, perfectly encapsulates the ethos of holistic dentistry. “When I do my job properly,” she says, “people who were once hesitant to smile will wear a permanent grin.” This statement speaks volumes. To Dr. Palmer, dentistry isn’t just about improving appearances—it’s about transforming lives. And the starting point of this transformation is the smile, which she believes should be inherently 'you' but with an aspiration for enhancement.

 

A graduate from the University of Alberta, Dr. Palmer earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1993. Her initial years of dental practice were rooted in Kamloops, B.C. However, destiny had different plans, leading her to Beverley Hills, California, where she delved deep into the functional and cosmetic dimensions of dentistry. It was this Californian sojourn that sowed the seeds of her holistic journey.

 

Her proficiency in creating the perfect equilibrium between dental aesthetics and functionality got a significant boost at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI Global). Continuous training since 2000 at LVI Global equipped Dr. Palmer with a profound understanding of the physiologic and neuromuscular aspects of dentistry. This approach seamlessly intertwines cosmetic dental treatments with a broader aim: achieving harmony among teeth, jaw muscles, joints, and even body posture.

 

2007 marked her return to the picturesque Okanagan Valley, where she established her practice in West Kelowna. For Dr. Palmer, the Okanagan isn’t just a place to work—it’s a community where she contributes to the betterment of lives by merging health, beauty, and holistic dentistry.

Holistic dentistry, also known as biological dentistry, integrates traditional dental care with a broader understanding of an individual's overall health and well-being. Services offered under this umbrella often include:

                •             Use of biocompatible dental materials

                •             Avoidance of mercury-based fillings

                •             Nutritional counseling for gum health

                •             Techniques to reduce dental anxiety

                •             Jaw alignment treatments

                •             Emphasis on non-surgical gum treatments

                •             Consideration of the body's overall health when recommending dental treatments.