Frequently Asked Questions
What is Functional Dentistry?
Functional dentistry is a systems-based approach that examines how oral health both reflects and influences whole-body health.
It is not a procedure or technique. It is a clinical framework that asks why disease develops, how dysfunction progresses over time, and how intervention can occur earlier and more effectively.
Functional dentistry recognizes that oral signs often appear years before systemic diagnoses, positioning dentists as frontline clinicians for early detection, prevention, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This approach connects oral findings to immunity, hormones, metabolism, airway and sleep, gut health, mitochondria, environmental exposures, and the oral microbiome. These systems are not separate from the mouth. They are expressed through it.
What Is the Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD)?
The Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD) is the world’s first residency-style functional dentistry certification program and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
IFD bridges dentistry and medicine through systems biology, functional medicine principles, and oral–systemic science. As a nonprofit, our mission prioritizes education, scientific integrity, access, and long-term global health impact.
IFD provides a comprehensive, all-in-one educational pathway for dentists seeking what dental school never taught.
Why a 501(c)(3)?
As a nonprofit organization, IFD is structured to prioritize mission over profit.
This ensures:
• Educational independence and scientific rigor
• Freedom from commercial influence
• Broad access to high-level education
• Long-term reinvestment into clinician training, research, and global health impact
Is This Program Evidence-Based?
Yes. All curriculum is grounded in current scientific literature, systems biology, and clinical research.
Where evidence is emerging or evolving, limitations and uncertainties are clearly discussed. The program emphasizes critical thinking, not dogma.
Where evidence is emerging or evolving, limitations and uncertainties are clearly discussed. The program emphasizes critical thinking, not dogma.
Is This Alternative or “Holistic” Dentistry?
No. Functional dentistry expands conventional dentistry rather than replacing it.
It integrates established dental care with deeper understanding of physiology, risk factors, prevention, systems biology, and oral–systemic connections.
Who are the Faculty?
IFD faculty are a carefully curated group of leading clinicians, researchers, and educators across dentistry, medicine, and systems science.
They represent pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, restorative and biomimetic dentistry, oral medicine, airway and sleep medicine, microbiome science, functional medicine, nutrition, toxicology, and regenerative biology.
They represent pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, restorative and biomimetic dentistry, oral medicine, airway and sleep medicine, microbiome science, functional medicine, nutrition, toxicology, and regenerative biology.
Faculty teach from real clinical experience, not theory alone.
Is IFD Part of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)?
No. IFD is an independent, self-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its own curriculum, faculty, governance, and mission.
IFD and IFM are interprofessional partners. We share aligned principles but operate autonomously.
IFD learners complete IFM foundational coursework to gain the systems-medicine framework dentistry has historically lacked. IFD then trains dentists to apply those principles specifically to oral–systemic health.
IFD and IFM are interprofessional partners. We share aligned principles but operate autonomously.
IFD learners complete IFM foundational coursework to gain the systems-medicine framework dentistry has historically lacked. IFD then trains dentists to apply those principles specifically to oral–systemic health.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine restores healthy function by addressing the root causes of disease. The functional medicine framework allows clinicians to systematically identify and address the underlying biological processes and dysfunctions that contribute to imbalance and disease in each individual. By understanding a patient’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences, functional medicine practitioners develop personalized interventions that restore balance, health, and well-being.Functional medicine treats the whole person, recognizing the interconnected physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. Practitioners integrate modern scientific tools and a deep understanding of biology, physiology, genetics, and the social and environmental determinants of health, while honoring the vital connection between mental and physical well-being. This personalized, systems-based approach supports meaningful and lasting clinical outcomes.
Is the Program Fully Online?
Yes. The program is delivered fully online and does not require travel.
Content includes lectures, case-based learning, assessments, and a certification examination.
Content includes lectures, case-based learning, assessments, and a certification examination.
Does This Program Replace My Current Practice Model?
No. The program is designed to enhance diagnostic reasoning and clinical insight, not replace existing practice structures.
Dentists apply the principles within their current scope, specialty, and regulatory environment.
Dentists apply the principles within their current scope, specialty, and regulatory environment.
Is This Program Appropriate for Specialists?
Yes. The curriculum is relevant for general dentists, specialists, hygienists, auxillary team members, physicians and beyond who are seeking deeper understanding of oral–systemic health, prevention, and interdisciplinary care.
What is the Annual Membership Fee for the Institute for Functional Dentistry?
The IFD annual membership fee is $300.
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