Good Dental Health LEADS TO Good Physical Health w/ Dr. MINDY Richtsmeier (Ep. #6)

Transforming Dentistry with a Holistic Approach to Oral Health and Wellness

Dr. Mindy Richtsmeier, a dedicated dentist specializing in airway and TMJ health, shares her journey into the field of dental care, emphasizing the crucial link between nutrition and oral health. Born out of her passion for proper dental care and inspired by Weston Price's research, Dr. Richtsmeier has become a strong advocate for the benefits of fat-soluble vitamins in calcium absorption and overall tooth health. Her current projects include writing about the benefits of raw milk for dental health and overall wellness, highlighting her commitment to educating patients about the importance of nutrition.

Dr. Richtsmeier also discusses the importance of work-life balance, drawing from her experiences as a dentist and business owner. With her husband Brad Richtsmeier, who also practices dentistry alongside her, they have managed to create a balanced life, encouraging their children to focus on hobbies rather than excessive sports commitments. The implementation of effective systems and delegation of tasks has significantly improved Dr. Richtsmeier's work-life balance, allowing her to spend more quality time with her family.

The growth of their dental practice from 2018 to 2023 brought financial stability, enabling them to pay off student loans and manage debts effectively. Dr. Richtsmeier attributes their financial success to the balance of their contrasting personalities and the strategic structuring of good debt for purchasing their practice. This careful financial planning allowed them to invest in their practice without the burden of significant student loan debt.

Continuous learning and expanding expertise are essential in dental health, and Dr. Richtsmeier emphasizes the connection between oral and overall health. Focusing on airway issues and their impact on sleep disorders and chronic illnesses, she is passionate about addressing the root causes of oral health problems rather than just treating symptoms. The future of dentistry, she believes, lies in the development of more bio-compatible materials and a holistic approach to dental care.

Advancements in dental technology, such as improved imaging and bio-compatible materials, are transforming the field. Dr. Richtsmeier highlights the use of CT scans for comprehensive jaw and airway assessments and the growing popularity of ceramic dental implants for patients with metal sensitivities. Looking ahead, she hopes for dental innovations that allow for more natural and less invasive treatments for tooth loss.

Dr. Richtsmeier also explores the connection between dental health and sleep apnea, expressing optimism that these fields will merge more in the future. With the rise of oral appliances as alternatives to CPAP machines, dental professionals and sleep doctors are collaborating to improve patient care. Prevention and proper oral development from an early age are crucial to avoid the need for extensive dental treatments.

Physical activity and overall health play a significant role in oral health, as a sedentary lifestyle can lead to mouth breathing, which dries out the mouth and causes decay. Dr. Richtsmeier shares his personal experience of improved sleep and health on physically active days, emphasizing the overlooked connection between good physical activity and oral health.

As they look to the future, Brad and Mindy, also known as "Mad Max" Richtsmeier, discuss their plans for retirement. Brad expresses a desire to become a regenerative farmer, while both acknowledge their difficulty in envisioning a life without work. They continue to save for retirement and seek professional advice, considering the possibility of selling their dental practice at some point.

The transformation in dental practices regarding selling and ownership is also discussed. With fewer young dentists interested in buying practices due to increasing student loans and business challenges, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are becoming more common. However, Dr. Richtsmeier and her partner might consider teaching dental business management to young graduates as a way to give back to the profession.

Dr. Richtsmeier concludes by emphasizing a more functional and holistic approach to dentistry. Collaborating with other healthcare providers, such as functional medicine doctors and physical therapists, she aims to offer integrated care for patients. Her work with Dr. Lori Miller, a functional medicine doctor, is part of building a network of "true health-focused providers."