Are you looking for an IAOMT dental professional who prioritizes holistic oral health, biocompatible materials, and mercury-safe procedures? You may have come across the term IAOMT dentist and wondered what it really means for your dental care.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything about IAOMT dentists, including what it means to be an IAOMT certified dentist, why patients in Orange County search for an IAOMT dentist near me, and the benefits of seeing an IAOMT biological dentist like Dr. Horiyat at Aria Dental.
Understanding IAOMT Dental Professionals
IAOMT stands for the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Founded in 1984 by a group of concerned dentists, physicians, and researchers, the organization was created to investigate the safety of dental materials, particularly mercury-based amalgam fillings. What started as a small initiative has grown into a global network of over 800 dentists, health professionals, and scientists committed to protecting public health through safer dental practices.
The IAOMT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and an accredited member of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Mercury Partnership. Its members have testified as expert witnesses before the U.S. Congress, the FDA, Health Canada, and the European Commission, advocating for stricter safety standards around dental materials and procedures.
An IAOMT dentist is a dental professional who is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). This global organization promotes biologically-focused dentistry, emphasizing patient safety, material biocompatibility, and environmentally responsible practices.
IAOMT dental practitioners stay up-to-date on the latest research and follow protocols that prioritize oral-systemic health, reducing potential exposure to toxic substances in dental treatments.
Key Focus Areas for IAOMT Dentists
Here are the core principles that guide many IAOMT dentists:
1. Biological Dentistry Approach
IAOMT dentists often practice biological dentistry, meaning they look beyond traditional dentistry to consider how treatments affect the body as a whole. This approach focuses on overall health, not just teeth.
2. Mercury-Safe (Not Just Mercury-Free) Care
IAOMT practitioners emphasize:
- Avoiding placement of mercury amalgam fillings
- Following strict Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocols for safe removal if needed
3. Patient-Centered Education and Transparency
Here are the core principles that guide many IAOMT dentists:
1. Biological Dentistry Approach
IAOMT dentists often practice biological dentistry, meaning they look beyond traditional dentistry to consider how treatments affect the body as a whole. This approach focuses on overall health, not just teeth.
2. Mercury-Safe (Not Just Mercury-Free) Care
IAOMT practitioners emphasize:
- Avoiding placement of mercury amalgam fillings
- Following strict Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocols for safe removal if needed
3. Patient-Centered Education and Transparency
Here are the core principles that guide many IAOMT dentists:
1. Biological Dentistry Approach
IAOMT dentists often practice biological dentistry, meaning they look beyond traditional dentistry to consider how treatments affect the body as a whole. This approach focuses on overall health, not just teeth.
2. Mercury-Safe (Not Just Mercury-Free) Care
IAOMT practitioners emphasize:
- Avoiding placement of mercury amalgam fillings
- Following strict Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) protocols for safe removal if needed
3. Patient-Centered Education and Transparency
These dentists ensure patients understand:
- What materials are being used
- Any potential exposure risks
- Available treatment alternatives and choices
The IAOMT Credential: What It Means for a Dentist
Dentists can participate with IAOMT at various levels:
1. General IAOMT Member
A dentist who has joined the IAOMT and subscribes to its principles but may not have completed additional certifications.
2. SMART-Certified IAOMT Dentist
The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) is an IAOMT-developed protocol designed to protect patients, dental staff, and the environment from mercury vapor release during amalgam removal. Dentists who complete SMART training are recognized for following these enhanced safety measures.
3. Accredited IAOMT Dentist
Accredited dentists have completed a comprehensive training program covering biological dentistry, safe amalgam removal, fluoride risks, biocompatibility testing, and more.
4. Masters and Fellows
These are dentists who have gone even further, completing hundreds of hours of additional research, education, and clinical expertise in biologically focused dentistry.
IAOMT Biological Dentist vs. Conventional Dentist
An IAOMT biological dentist offers a different, more holistic approach to dental care compared to conventional dentistry. Key differences include:
- Material Safety: Uses only non-toxic, biocompatible dental materials to minimize allergic reactions and reduce potential systemic health risks.
- Mercury Removal: Follows strict SMART protocols for safe amalgam removal or avoids mercury fillings entirely, protecting both patients and dental staff.
- Patient Education: Provides detailed explanations of all treatment options, materials, and potential risks, empowering patients to make informed decisions.
- Holistic Health Focus: Considers the impact of oral health on overall wellness, including connections to cardiovascular, neurological, and immune systems.
- Preventive & Personalized Care: Designs treatment plans tailored to each patient’s health goals, focusing on long-term oral and systemic health.
By combining safety, education, and holistic awareness, IAOMT dentists provide a more comprehensive and health-conscious approach than traditional dental practices.
| Feature | Conventional Dentist | IAOMT Biological Dentist |
| Mercury Fillings | May place or remove amalgam | Uses SMART protocol or avoids amalgam |
| Material Choices | Standard materials | Biocompatible, non-toxic materials |
| Health Approach | Oral-focused | Holistic, patient-centered approach |
| Patient Communication | Basic explanation | Detailed informed consent |
Common Procedures You Might Receive from an IAOMT Dentist
IAOMT dentists may provide a range of services:
- Mercury-Safe Amalgam Removal
- Biocompatibility Testing for Dental Materials
- Holistic Gum Therapy
- Metal-Free Restorations and Crowns
- Nutritional Counseling Related to Dental Health
- Integrative Dental Treatment Planning
Each practice is unique, and not all IAOMT dentists offer the same services — so be sure to ask about specific treatments.
Is IAOMT Legit? Understanding Its Credibility
If you are new to holistic dental care, you may be wondering: is IAOMT legit? It is a fair question, especially since the term “holistic dentist” is not regulated, and any dental practice can use the label without specialized training.
The short answer is yes. The IAOMT is one of the most credible and well-established organizations in biological dentistry worldwide. Here is why patients and professionals trust it:
- Decades of scientific research. Since 1984, the IAOMT has funded and published peer-reviewed research on dental toxicology, mercury safety, fluoride risks, and biocompatible materials.
- Global recognition. The IAOMT is an accredited member of the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Mercury Partnership and played a key role in the negotiations leading to the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty to reduce mercury pollution.
- Rigorous certification standards. Unlike a simple membership badge, the IAOMT offers progressive levels of certification, including SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) and full Accreditation, each requiring extensive coursework, examinations, and conference participation.
- Government-level advocacy. IAOMT members have served as expert witnesses before U.S. Congress, the FDA, and international health agencies, lending their scientific expertise to policy decisions that affect millions of patients.
Why Choose an IAOMT Dental Orange County Provider
Selecting an IAOMT dental Orange County professional like Dr. Horiyat offers several benefits:
1. Safe Amalgam Removal
Dentists trained in SMART protocols minimize mercury vapor exposure, protecting both patients and the environment.
2. Biocompatible Materials
IAOMT certified dentists prioritize dental materials that are safe and less likely to cause sensitivity or toxicity.
3. Patient-Centered Education
You’ll receive detailed explanations about materials, treatment options, and potential risks to make informed decisions.
4. Holistic Oral Health Focus
These dentists consider your overall wellness, including how oral health impacts the entire body.
How to Find an IAOMT Dentist Near Me in Orange County
If you are searching for an IAOMT dentist near me in Orange County, there are a few ways to find the right practitioner:
- The IAOMT Online Directory. Visit iaomt.org and use the “Search for an IAOMT Dentist” tool to find members by location and certification level.
- Verify credentials. Look for dentists who hold SMART certification at minimum, and ideally full IAOMT accreditation, which demonstrates the highest level of biological dentistry training.
- Ask the right questions. During your consultation, ask about the specific IAOMT protocols the office follows, what materials they use, and whether they offer biocompatibility testing.
For Orange County patients, Aria Dental in Mission Viejo is led by Dr. Maryam Horiyat, a UCLA and UCSF graduate who holds both IAOMT accreditation and SMART certification, credentials that are uncommon even among holistic dental practitioners. Dr. Horiyat is also certified by the IABDM and HDA, making Aria Dental one of the most comprehensively credentialed biological dental practices in Southern California.
The practice serves patients throughout Orange County, including Laguna Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, and surrounding communities.
Conclusion: Why See an IAOMT Dentist?
Choosing an IAOMT dentist ensures safer, more holistic dental care. For patients in Orange County, a provider like Dr. Horiyat at Aria Dental offers mercury-safe procedures, biocompatible materials, and patient-centered care.
If you want a dentist who prioritizes both your oral health and overall well-being, finding an IAOMT dental Orange County specialist is a smart choice. Schedule a consultation today to experience the benefits of biological dentistry.
