Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance Misnomer – Download PDF 
The word insurance is defined as “protection against a loss”. The term has been used in medicine, as catastrophic loss can occur as a result of sickness or accident. This term has been used in dentistry, but it is a misnomer. “Benefit” more aptly describes the allowance which is negotiated for an employee between his/her place of employment and “insurance” company.
The Dental Insurance Industry And The Dentist – Download PDF
Throughout my dental career I have pursued the highest level of preventive and treatment excellence to offer you, my patient. The following will spell out how a third party like dental insurance can muddle a relationship and stand in the way of the excellence that I want to provide for you.
Wellness and Dental Insurance– Download PDF
Years ago, after several years of experiencing the frustrations attendant to being a dental insurance provider, our practice severed ties to insurance contracts, gutted the entire facility and turned it into a Dental Wellness Center. Our premium approach to client wellness starts with the premise that we are not operating a production line, but a caring, competent and responsible approach towards a commitment to our clients’ best interests.
What About Insurance? How Much Will It Cost? – Download PDF
As two of the most frequently asked questions we hear from people calling our office are,“Do You Take Insurance? How Much Does it Cost?” I thought it would be appropriate for me to explain why the answers to these questions are often not simple.
Mercury Amalgam
Information about “Silver Amalgam” Fillings, Our Protocol for Removing Them, and Basics Regarding Their Replacement – Download PDF
The only mercury in our office today resides within the fillings of patients who may have them. The following is some information about the metal element mercury, fillings that have mercury amalgamated within them, how we handle their removal and the rationale for their replacement.
Mercury Amalgam Facts – Download PDF
One of the world’s leading authorities on dental materials, Dr. Russell Giordano said: “Amalgam is my least favorite tooth restoration, not because of mercury but because it does nothing to reinforce the tooth and actually, in my opinion, greatly weakens the tooth.” Let’s look at his points more closely, so you, the reader, can fully appreciate his and my opinion of this outdated and overused tooth restorative material.
Mercury in Dental Fillings – Download PDF
It wasn’t long after dental school that I learned while mercury may look different when it is mixed and hardened with other metals, while being placed in a patient’s tooth its vapor is emitted in large quantities – as well as when they are being removed from teeth – “details” that were missing in our dental education and still not given credibility in traditional dentistry.
Miscellaneous
Welcome to the Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
The first Dental Wellness Center website was developed in 1989 as a repository for Dr. McBride’s articles and information having to do with the essence of the Center, how it was developed, its offerings and the reasoning behind all that is done within it.
Gifts – Download PDF
One of the most profound gifts that I have received is that of the knowledge and wisdom gained from both medical and dental practitioners who preceded me in their quest for the truth that have become mentors.
Dental Tourism – A Philosophical Trip South of the Border – Download PDF
I was prompted to write this after I read an article indicating the increasing number of U.S. citizens who are crossing the border into Mexico and flying to other countries outside the U.S. to have dental treatment, known as “Dental Tourism.” Also by questions I am sometimes asked about my take on the relative quality of U.S. dentistry compared to that performed outside the U.S.
Metabolic Syndrome – Download PDF
Learn more about what metabolic syndrome entails…
A Word About Dental Laboratory Technology – Download PDF
I’m not sure what most dental patients know about dental laboratory technology, but as it is with all other fields, there are levels of quality that range from mediocre to the highest level of excellence.
Oral Piercings – New Studies – and Tragedies – Download PDF
New evidence lends further support to the need for dentists to caution patients about the dangers of tongue piercing, which can lead to severe infections, chipped and fractured teeth, gingival recession, and even death.
Quality and Safety – Download PDF
In addition to being mercury safe, there are several technical and procedural precautionary measures employed in The Dental Wellness Center that go beyond the usual.
Tooth Decay on the Rise – Download PDF
It cannot be denied that tooth decay was on the decline during the 70’s and 80’s, but it is on the rise again. A review of literature on this subject seems to provide answers as to why this is occurring.
Oil Pulling – Download PDF
Coconut oil pulling is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. In fact, it’s been proven to be even more effective than flossing, and it’s one of the best ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
Root Canal Treated Teeth and Your General Health – A New Test! – Download PDF
We had an influx of new patients a few months ago, many of them influenced from having viewed the video documentary, “Root Cause” that extolled the possible health risks associated with teeth having had root canal (endodontic) treatment.
What About Root Canals? – Download PDF
One area in dentistry where there seems to be a divide is in the field of endodontics, or root canal therapy,1 which has to do with the safety of root canalled teeth. I wrote this article to inform patients and potential patients about my take on root canal treatments and the rationales behind my reasoning.
What’s New at The Dental Wellness Center? – Download PDF
A short update on what’s new in our office!
This website contains over 100 articles that Dr. McBride has written during the continual evolution of the Dental Wellness Center. This article, The Essence of The Dental Wellness Center, will describe the distinctness of the practice, its philosophy and its offerings that make it truly unique!
The Essence of the Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
Why are there so few dentists and medical doctors primarily focusing on causes, rather than merely treating symptoms? It’s the way the system was developed, with Big Pharma’s influence on medicine and its link to medical insurance benefits.
The Meet Up Experience at the Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
We are happy to see so many of our patients interested in our educational programs. It is important to all of us staff members to be able to deliver services to you that benefit your overall health. That is why we thought it would be great to reach out to the community and our dental family to see who we could help spread the word about what we do and how we help those who visit the office to see Dr. McBride and our hygienist Janell.
Impact of Endodontically Treated Teeth on Systemic Diseases (OroTox) – Download PDF
This study compares the radiographic distribution of apical periodontitis (AP) in root- filled and endodontically treated teeth among healthy controls and patients with systemic diseases; the incidence of AP was almost twice as high in the latter group.
Oral Environment – Hygiene Arm of DWC
“I Just Want My Teeth Cleaned” – Download PDF
Having clean teeth embodies a lot more than just a “sparkling smile.” True teeth cleanliness involves not only what is seen above the gums, but it also has to do with what’s “down under,” where bacterial action, inflammation and infection can reside, most often without the patient even being aware of it.
Bodily pH – How it is Involved in the Disease Process, and How to Modify it – Download PDF
As a health-centered practice, the Dental Wellness Center’s mission is primarily patient education, an essential element of a health development process between a wellness health practitioner and patient. The goal is to discover the cause of a disease condition with the assignment of mutual responsibilities on the part of both practitioner and patient to gain a desired level of health. I can think of no more important area of health relative to the mouth-body connection than that of pH – a measurement of the relative acidity/alkalinity of the body. As the mouth is part of the body, the state of its health can both affect and be affected by that of the rest of the body – a reciprocal effect.
Big Breakthrough for Controlling Bad Breath – Download PDF
Bad breath (aka Halitosis, Oral Malodour), has been a scourge of mankind probably from the beginning of time. So what causes this embarrassing condition and what can we do about it?
Oral Health and Your Heart – Download PDF
Researchers are finding possible links between periodontal infections and other diseases throughout the body. Current studies suggest that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions.
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease – Download PDF
Well, that’s something that can’t be sugar-coated!
Getting to the Heart of Dental Disease – Download PDF
Before the discovery of penicillin, Rheumatic Fever was quite often a fatal disease. Those who contracted it and survived most often were left with a valvular heart defect which was caused by bacteria in the blood stream (bacteremia) that colonized on the heart valves causing the damage.
Mutual Responsibilities in Attaining Health – Download PDF
After over 35 years in practice and being a continuing student with a goal of providing optimum service for my patients, I have developed a clear understanding of how I can best help them make prudent decisions relative to their oral health.
Periodontal Disease, Bad Breath, and Systemic Health – Download PDF
Through the years I have come to realize that attaining and maintaining physical health can be a very complex matter, and that goes for periodontal health as well.
Go Green for Healthy Teeth and Gums – Download PDF
With origins dating back over 4,000 years, green tea has long been a popular beverage in Asian culture, and is increasingly gaining popularity in the United States. Researchers have recently found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums.
Initial Assessments: Another Unique Characteristic of The Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
One of the unique features of the Dental Wellness Center is that all new patients undergo an oral environment assessment that includes using high-tech instruments that can detect oral pre-cancer and cancer, pH testing for oral alkalinity-acidity, and several assessment technologies to determine the state of one’s periodontal (gum) health and predisposition to tooth decay.
The Holistic Hygiene Arm of The Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
A new patient entering the Dental Wellness Center does not have their teeth cleaned until a determination is made of the state of their gum health through a complete periodontal probing, as well as laboratory biofilm tests that show exactly the type and amount of the 1000+ species of bacteria that can reside within the patients’ mouth.
The Mouth Body Connection Explained By Dr. McBride – Download PDF
Learn more about how the mouth is an excellent gauge of one’s general health.
The Reality of “Teeth Cleanings” and How to Effectively Change an Oral Environment – Download PDF
While teeth cleanings are still an important aspect of oral health, they are only a singular component of developing and maintaining a healthy oral environment. The information we gain through your medical and dental histories, along with the various assessments made along the route to learning about your oral and general health, leads to preventive and treatment processes that address your unique situation.
Use Your Toothbrush To Fight Cancer – Download PDF
Some of the most important tools you can employ to lower your risk of cancer are a toothbrush and dental floss. Use them properly and you may lower your chances of early cancer death by up to 80 percent.
Why an Assessment Before a Teeth Cleaning? – Download PDF
Having a teeth cleaning is a frequent request from new patients calling for a dental appointment. It is an understandable request in that most people who desire this service are in need of it to one degree or another.
Philosophical
Why all that time for my first appointment? – Download PDF
In keeping with this, our first appointment is not so much about looking for problems and making up a list of things to be done, but begins with a two-way interview wherein I can listen to what my new patient is looking for, discuss any concerns that they may have, and a complete review of their dental and medical histories.
“WHY?”: The Underlying Question Of Holistic Dentistry – Download PDF
One of the most frequent questions we hear from new patients is “Why do these dental problems keep happening?” The mission of the Dental Wellness Center was in large part developed to answer this question.
Dental Wellness Center – Holistic and All Encompassing – Download PDF
I have written several articles pertaining to why The Dental Wellness Center is a holistic (1) dental practice. Per the dictionary definition, I believe that the word is a great match for the Center as it does include the four elements essential to a patient developing optimum oral health and its relationship to systemic health: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.
A Zero Sum Game? – Download PDF
“How healthy do you really want to become?” is the central question from which a mutual game plan can be developed.
An Educational, Trust-Building Approach To Dental Care – Download PDF
While dental technology has advanced, the one area of dentistry that hasn’t seemed to improve is in the area of trust, as it is estimated that as many as 75% of US adults experience some degree of dental fear, from mild to severe. Our team has found that an interesting upshot of this patient educational process is the development of that all-important missing element cited above – trust!
An Essential Ingredient in the Development of Oral Health: Desire – Download PDF
Our oral assessment, educational, preventive and treatment protocols have been designed to work with individuals who have a high desire to optimize their oral health and are willing to embrace their role in its development.
Comparing Traditional and Holistic Dentistry – Download PDF
In traditional, insurance-driven dental practices, the main thrust is on finding the results of dental conditions, such as decay and gum disease, and then providing repair, teeth replacements and cleanings, with relatively little emphasis on the cause of the decay and gum disease
Diagnosis – A Fitting Homonym – Download PDF
I believe that the diverse meanings of the word “diagnosis” characterize the reason why the United States rates only 37th in the World Health Organization’s ranking of the health care systems out of 191 countries.
Doing “Good Work” – Download PDF
I have found through my course of years being a dentist, that the best of technical (preventive, esthetic, functional) care can only occur within the confines of a sound relationship.
A Matter of Perspective – Download PDF
Traditional dentistry is an offshoot of the medical remedial model that focuses more on treating symptoms, rather than discovering their causes.
Mission of Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
The mission of The Dental Wellness Center is to educate potential patients with a high interest in learning about the nature of their oral system to such a degree that they can make informed choices about its future.
The Origin of the Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
This article will offer information about the inception and development of The Dental Wellness Center and its founder, Dr. Robert McBride.
Dr. McBride Explains The Importance Of Developing A Dental Philosophy – Download PDF
I have noticed through the years the tremendous differential in the quality of technical care and personal service existing within the field of dentistry. I have discovered that these differences ultimately lie within the head and heart of the dentist – his developed philosophy of care based on inherently held personal values.
My Philosophy – Download PDF
It is my professional mission to offer you, my valued dental patient the finest dental care possible in the most comfortable, relaxing environment my staff and I can create. Here are a few words about my philosophy as a “health-centered” dentist and how I got there.
Dr. McBride on the Statement, “If you love your patients, you won’t hurt them.” – Download PDF
The purpose of the Dental Wellness Center is to teach its patients about the status of their oral system to such a degree that they can make informed choices about its future. A corollary to this educational process is the building of a relationship along an educational path that is based upon mutual respect, knowledge, trust, shared values and perspectives about disease and life. Does this involve love?
Dr. McBride’s Holistic Evolution – Download PDF
The following is a brief history of Dr. McBride’s own learning process as a dentist and how his practice evolved into becoming a holistic Wellness Center.
Dr. McBride’s View on Holistic Dentistry – Download PDF
A dentist with a holistic approach is not just checking your teeth and gums, looking for decay and periodontal (gum) disease, or wanting to sell you on the idea of an improved smile through the wonders of cosmetic dentistry.
Origin and Evolution of the Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
For those who may be searching for a new dentist, the following will highlight aspects of The Dental Wellness Center that shaped its formation, and how it contrasts with most other dental practices.
Our First Appointment – Download PDF
The value of this first appointment is incalculable as it is the start of a process that can reverse any negative attitudes towards dentistry and set the stage for a lifetime of oral health. Keep reading to learn more!
Patient Directed Care through a Holistic, Wellness Oriented Approach to Dentistry – Download PDF
Fundamental to a more holistic, or wellness mode is a recognition that symptoms have causes, therefore therapy is based upon meticulous assessment that identifies the cause(s) from which preventive and treatment regimens are developed.
Some Words on the Path to Becoming a Holistic Practice – Download PDF
The following is a brief history of Dr. McBride’s own learning process as a dentist and how his practice evolved into becoming a holistic Wellness Center.
The Bigger Picture Of The Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
The uniqueness of our Dental Wellness Center lies in its model of health developed through extensive research of healthy oral systems which includes the muscles, ligaments, joints, gums, and yes – the teeth.
The Dental Wellness Center Inception and Purpose – Download PDF
The purpose of the Dental Wellness Center is to inform its patients about the unique nature of their oral status through a co-learning process between doctor and patient that empowers them to make informed choices regarding its future.
The Dentist Interview Explained – Download PDF
The first appointment is so vital; it is dedicated quality time between the doctor and patient, a chance to get to know one another to discuss patient dental concerns and to set goals to resolve those concerns.
The Differentiator – Download PDF
An essential attribute of a holistic approach is patient compliance and collaboration based upon the patient’s high interest in becoming healthy – an interest that has been aroused through a process that lets them understand the origin of their problems.
The Health Industry – A Rigged Game? – Download PDF
What really differentiates a holistic from a traditional dentist? I believe that it begins with an attitude on the part of the dentist emphasizing discovering the nature of, and prevention of oral problems, rather than one of simply treating and repairing their results.
The Rewards and Challenges of Continuing Education – Download PDF
Although I didn’t realize at first that the pursuit of continued education would have so many twists and turns, forcing me to make some big decisions along the way, it has been well worth it. Thanks to the great number of patients that value what we have to offer, The Dental Wellness Center has evolved to its position today of growth by leaps and bounds, offering a rare combination of health-centered services.
Treating Symptoms VS. Diagnosing Systems – Download PDF
At The Dental Wellness Center we offer information that will help individuals understand how the mouth functions as a system and why their oral health has an influence over their overall physical health.
Trust in a Dental Office – Download PDF
Dentistry is considered to be a helping profession. In any helping relationship, trust needs to be at its core.
We Build Relationships – Download PDF
It is our intention to build healthy relationships with our clients. Without a trusting relationship it is very difficult to have successful communication and understanding.
What is “Holistic” Anyway? – Download PDF
Dr. McBride expands upon the dictionary definition of the word “holistic:” “concerned with all factors, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual that affect health, rather than treating isolated diseases and symptoms.”
What You Can Expect at The Dental Wellness Center – Download PDF
The Dental Wellness Center offers an environment where a friendly and efficient team works with each patient, allowing adequate time depending on the persons’ individual needs.
Why a Wellness Center? – Download PDF
The wellness doctor develops a solid, mutual trusting relationship with his patients wherein they each commit to their respective roles as teacher/student.
Why all the Thoroughness and Attention to Detail? – Download PDF
The purpose of a thorough oral examination and Review of Findings appointments in The Dental Wellness Center is to teach my patients of the potentials and liabilities that exist within their oral system.
Why Is The Mission of The Dental Wellness Center So Special? – Download PDF
The Dental Wellness Center mission is to educate its patients about their oral system to such a degree that they can make informed choices about its future. It is the result of over forty years of evolution that has the oral and systemic health of its patients at its core.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit – Download PDF
When we make the child’s first visit a positive one, we will be making sure that the next one will be a winner to pave the way for a future of optimum health.
Service Types
A Philosophy Of Full Denture Service: Mouths & People Are Different – Download PDF
Dr. McBride discusses how the considerations of full denture service are completely different from other types of restorative dentistry such as fillings, fixed bridgework or implant dentistry, and how that affects his treatment protocol.
Bioesthetics – Looking at The Bigger Picture – Download PDF
A branch of dentistry relatively new on the scene is Bioesthetics, in which a model of dental and oral health was derived from this research of these fortunate individuals who comprise 10 – 14% of the population. Their common attributes have become the guidelines that direct the dentist trained in Bioesthetics in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the oral system.
Bioesthetics, Oral Beauty, Function and Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) – Download PDF
TMJ dysfunction has come to light within the last 15-20 years, because people are living longer and many are keeping their teeth for a lifetime. It is important for the dentist to have a sound, tested and workable philosophy in dealing with these problems. It is also important that the patient understands the rationale behind these steps prior to taking the first step.
Rejuvenation Via Biologically-Guided Technology
Although tooth wear, or attrition, is considered to be a common attribute of the aging process,1 a segment of the population with attractive and functional dentitions that experiences no pathologic tooth wear has been and is continuing to be researched.
Ceramic Implant Systems – Download PDF
Always striving to be at the forefront regarding the usage of healthy dental materials for its patients, the Center is now offering a zirconia ceramic implant system to be used as an alternate to titanium implants. Keep reading to learn more!
Dr. McBride Discusses Occlusion – Download PDF
There is one element of oral health that is most often overlooked by dentists which is the subject of “occlusion” – that is, the way the teeth meet in relation to the jaw joints (“TMJs”).
Dr. McBride Explains Cosmetics and Bioesthetics – Download PDF
The purpose of this article is to have the reader learn about the single factor most commonly overlooked by many dentists when applying these cosmetic technologies to their patients. It is a fact that the teeth are only one component of an extremely unique and integrated system, and are always in relation to the surrounding bone, muscles, nerves and ligaments.
SDF – Conservative Treatment Option for Both Kids and Adults – Download PDF
With all the wonderful new technology that allows for better and longer lasting teeth repairs, the main cause of the need for their repair is tooth decay which still remains rampant, in spite of more preventive awareness than ever before.
Holistic Pediatric Dentistry – Download PDF
At The Dental Wellness Center we believe that it is especially important to have a holistic approach with pediatric dental patients, as their experiences within the dental office will shape their attitude towards future dental health.
MELISA Testing Explained – Download PDF
The MELISA® test (Memory Lymphocyte Immuno Stimulation Assay) measures hypersensitivity to numerous metals, including mercury, by placing a series of metals into contact with the white blood cells of the person being tested and then monitoring the reaction.
Oral Medicine, Dental Toxicology – An Introduction to Biological Dentistry – Download PDF
The following is information about Biological Dentistry – it is taken from the website of the IAOMT, an organization that I have belonged to for years. It explains the many facets of Biological Dentistry. More information and articles can be found on the IAOMT website, http://iaomt.org
Orientation Information Prior To Your TMJ Assessment Appointment – Download PDF
This article will introduce you to our approach in assessing and treating TMJ disorders. TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, which are hinge-like and connect the lower jaw (mandible) to the upper jaw (maxilla).
Snoring and Sleep Apnea – Big Breakthrough – Download PDF
Snoring may be an indication of obstructed breathing, called Sleep Apnea, and should not be taken lightly.
The Real Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep – Download PDF
The greater danger is that undiagnosed, untreated sleep apnea places a great burden on your heart, your blood pressure, your brain and the rest of your nervous system.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (“TMJ”) – Download PDF
Dr. McBride’s training and teaching experience in Bioesthetics with Dr. Robert Lee allows for our clients who have tooth wear and jaw joint problems to obtain a treatment plan to develop their oral system as close to the Bioesthetic* ideal as possible.
Minimally Invasive, or Biomimetic Dentistry – Download PDF
The word “Biomimetic” is derived from two terms: “biology,” the science of life or living matter in all its forms, and “mimic,” to imitate or copy. Keep reading to learn more about how biomimetic philosophies are applied in dentistry.
What is Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing? – Download PDF
Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing (CMRT) is a laboratory screening process used to help identify existing sensitivity problems to various chemical groups and families of compounds in an individual patient.
OroTox – The OroTox Measurement Scale – Download PDF
Use the enclosed color scale with good, indirect lighting (avoid reflections). Move the cuvette over the scale cutouts until ink coverage.
What’s the Wise Thing To Do With Wisdom Teeth? – Download PDF
Should wisdom teeth, or 3rd molars, be removed? It all depends.
