Holistic dentistry is an approach to dental care that emphasizes the overall physical well being of the patient as part of their treatment. It includes an emphasis on natural treatments and is part of the alternative health movement. The holistic movement has a wide range of practices and philosophies sometimes including an assessment of a patient’s emotional and spiritual health as an important consideration in treatment.

Although treatments vary between different practitioners, most oppose the use of amalgams for fillings that include mercury and other toxic elements. They generally emphasize non-surgical approaches to gum disease and are opposed to root canal operations that have the potential to spread dental bacteria throughout the body through the bloodstream.

Overall, holistic dentistry (like other holistic approaches to medicine) focuses on the overall well being of the patient as part of dental care taking into account the body, mind and spirit of the patient – however that may be assessed.