History of Functional Dentistry

The development of Functional Dentistry was influenced by the pioneering work and philosophies of Dr. Jeffrey Bland, founder and chairman of Institute for Functional Medicine; the foundational pillars of functional health assessment and interpretation of Dr. William Timmins, founder of Biohealth Diagnostics; the German model of functional medicine and regulation developed by Vega Medizin (now part of Wegamed), as well as Scott Moyer; and by applying scientific principals, current research, and common sense.

Dr. Richard Hansen recognized that the mouth and dental area not only play a key role in the overall health of the human body, but that ideal oral health cannot be achieved without a healthy body. The mouth is also a diagnostic window to the body and may exhibit early warning signs of biologic dysfunction before symptoms occur in other areas. Every informational stimulus, both internal and external, as well as every thought and emotion affects the functional state of the entire organism, including the mouth.

Every biologic function of each and every cell, organ and system should, ideally, be a well-balanced symphony of coordinated interaction to achieve optimal health and ultimately survive, live long, and be free of disease. Dysfunction or imbalance in any area, especially the mouth, may have a profound, far-reaching impact on the entire body.