More Than The Mouth: Dentistry's Role in Total Health (w/Dr. Staci Whitman) [Ep.124]

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Staci Whitman, a board-certified pediatric, integrative, and naturopathic dentist.  Dr. Staci is one of the few dentists certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine, is the founder of a leading functional pediatric dental practice, co-founder of the Institute for Functional Dentistry, and a passionate educator on the oral-systemic connection.  She recently appeared on the Huberman Lab Podcast and did an outstanding job representing the dental profession!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Dr. Staci’s personal journey from traditional dental training to pioneering a holistic, root-cause approach to pediatric dentistry.
• The challenges and limitations of current dental education and practice models.
• How burnout affects dental professionals—and how a functional approach can restore purpose and satisfaction.
• The truth about fluoride, the latest research, and why open-minded discussion is critical.
• The oral and gut microbiome: what it means for your health, how it connects to systemic wellness, and why it’s the next frontier in dentistry.
• Actionable steps for parents, patients, and providers to improve oral health, including nutrition, hydration, airway health, stress management, and hygiene.
• The importance of individualized care, patient education, and shifting away from a “one-size-fits-all” model.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Listeners of The DOC Podcast can receive a $500 discount on registration for Airway Palooza 2025 in Fort Lauderdale by using code DOCPALOOZA at checkout. https://airwayhealthsolutions.com/palooza
• Oral microbiome testing resources: https://www.viome.com/products/oral-health-intelligence; https://www.bristlehealth.com/
• Cochrane Review on Fluoride (2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39362658/
• The Institute for Functional Dentistry: https://functionaldentistry.com/
• Episode with Beth Lambert: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-causing-the-chronic-disease-epidemic-in-our/id1689703392?i=1000716655495

Connect with Dr. Staci:

• https://doctorstaci.com/
• Dr. Staci on Instagram: @doctor_staci

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• theorthocoach.com
• Email: [e-mail]
• Join the DOC Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/

What is The DOC Podcast?

The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally.

Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Orthodontics.

The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!