Dr. Bennett's mission is to provide a supportive environment that will assist patients in clarifying their values and setting goals for their dental health, general health and the aesthetics of their smile. There is no greater satisfaction than to play a role in helping one of our patients regain their dental health or systemic health of the body.
Dr. Bennetts approach to dental care is patient-centered, biologic, and holistic. He seeks to understand the connection between dental health and the health of the body. He listens to patients so he can understand the unique issues and needs of each individual patient. Dr. Bennett believes that the best dental restoration is the most minimally invasive. He understands that every patient is unique and requires a treatment plan that they value and can afford. There are ideal treatment plans and always other less than ideal options. It is important the patient understands the potential consequences of all treatment options. To explain all options, the doctor must take time to teach you what you need to know in order to choose the treatment options that are consistent with your needs and values. This wont happen in most dental offices as treatment coordinators present treatment plans not the doctor and consequences of all options are not discussed. Dr. Bennett takes the time.
Dr. B. Lawrence (Larry) Bennett graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in 1980. He is in his 41st year of practice. Larry practiced in Wyoming for 20 years and in Colorado Springs for 16 years. Presently, he has satellite dental practices in South Dakota and Wyoming.
He has been practicing on a part-time basis since 2013 but greatly enjoys his work and has no plans to quit practicing anytime soon. He presently practices about halftime. He has been studying Holistic Dentistry for 23 years and strives to evaluate the health claims of alternative medicine and dentistry. He believes that health claims supported by research are important. But health claims not supported by research may or may not be correct and therefore, must be cautiously evaluated. He is or has been a member of IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), Orognathic Bioesthetics International, and The Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. Dr. Bennett is engaged in on-going study, examination, and research of holistic and biologic dentistry. His dental practice has been mercury free for over 25 years. Dr. Bennett takes pride in protecting the patient and staff from unnecessary exposure to mercury.
Throughout Larry's professional career, he has studied neuromuscular dentistry, myofascial pain and dysfunction, TMJ, and completed thousands of hours in the study of occlusion. He has a unique understanding of TMJ/TMD problems and is highly successful in treating those patients. He also promotes biomimetic dentistry in his practice. Dr. Bennett believes that the best dental restoration is the most minimally invasive. He uses special techniques that strengthen teeth and avoids crowns and root canals.
He understands that every patient is unique and requires a treatment plan that they value and can afford. There are always ideal treatment plans but sometimes the patient must settle for less than ideal options. It is important the patient understands the potential consequences of any treatment option. To explain all options, the doctor must take time to educate the patient. This wont happen in most dental offices as treatment coordinators (not the doctor) present treatment plans and all options and their consequences are not discussed. Dr. Bennett takes the time. Because Dr. Bennett understands the important connection between dental health and the overall health of the body, he offers a holistic, nutritional approach to dental health which benefits all of his patients.
Over the last 30 years, Carol has worked extensively in the dental field with her husband, Dr. Bennett. Since 2016 she has been Dr. Bennett's only staff member. She provides crucial administrative support and coordinates treatment for patients. Carol is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Clinical Nutritionist.She recognizes and emphasizes the connection between diet and the nutritional status of the dental patient. She is a conventionally trained registered dietitian through the American Dietetic Association as well as a progressively trained certified clinical nutritionist through the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists. She graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition in 1977. Her post graduate dietetic internship was completed at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She is a Certified GAPS practitioner as well as a Certified Gluten Free Coach.
The term holistic is controversial and conjures up a variety of responses depending on personal experience. Since experiential learning forms our belief systems, each of us will relate differently to the term holistic.
In my view, holistic dentistry means dental health and systemic health, or the health of the whole body, are interrelated. Therefore, the health of the body can affect the health of the mouth, and the health of the mouth can also affect health in the rest of the body.
Can it be possible that dental disease is related to the health of the rest of the body? There is no simple answer to this question. But more and more research indicates disease in one system of the body (such as the digestive system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system) will cause other systems of the body to experience physiologic and metabolic stress. For example:
The interconnections of the bodys systems are central to proper metabolic function and physical health. The effort to understand and treat these interconnections is what defines a holistic approach. For example, tooth decay is a common dental disease that is treated by removing the decay and placing a dental restoration. But the filling does not eliminate the cause of the decay and more decay will develop unless the cause is treated. The cause of tooth decay is multi-factorial and not just a lack of brushing and flossing. If the pH of the patients saliva has a tendency to be acidic, then tooth decay will be more likely. This acid tendency is a result of systemic influences. When is the last time your dentist tested your salivary pH? The solution to all dental disease must be found in an understanding of the patient's biology and physiology and the development of lifestyles that support good health.