About Our Holistic Dentist in Sandy, UT

Our practice is built around a whole-person approach to dental care. Rather than looking only at individual teeth, we consider how oral health may relate to airway function, sleep, jaw alignment, inflammation, dental materials and overall wellness. Through “outside-in” thinking, we listen closely to each patient’s concerns and use advanced diagnostics, biocompatible materials and modern technology to develop personalized treatment recommendations.

We work for our patients—not insurance companies. Our recommendations are based on each patient’s clinical needs, health goals and preferred level of care rather than the limitations of an insurance plan. Our team is committed to helping patients achieve healthy, functional and confident smiles while supporting their long-term wellness.

Dr. David Peterson graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1991. He has followed a holistic and biological philosophy throughout his career, even before routinely using those terms to describe his approach. He joined the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology in 2012 and earned IAOMT accreditation in 2013.

Dr. Peterson’s approach to biological dentistry considers the health of the entire body, not only the teeth. The practice is mercury-free and offers biocompatible and metal-free treatment options when appropriate for the patient’s needs. The office is also certified in the IAOMT’s Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, commonly known as the SMART protocol.

During amalgam removal, the team follows specialized safety measures intended to reduce mercury exposure. These measures include protective draping, filtration, respirators and a separate supply of 100% oxygen for the patient to breathe during the procedure.

Airway function, sleep quality, TMJ health and breathing patterns are also integral parts of Dr. Peterson’s care philosophy. He has completed extensive education in neuromuscular dentistry, TMJ care, sleep dentistry, airway health, myofascial pain and functional jaw relationships. When airway or sleep concerns are identified, the practice can coordinate at-home sleep testing that is interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician. The physician can then determine whether sleep apnea or another form of obstructed breathing is present.

Dr. Peterson has trained extensively at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and with Dr. Prabu Raman in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a Fellow of the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics and has served on its board for more than 17 years. Through this education and leadership, he has continued to expand his knowledge of airway health, TMJ disorders, neuromuscular dentistry and myofascial pain.

The practice uses advanced technology to support detailed diagnosis, thoughtful treatment planning and wellness-focused care. Its technology includes two cone beam computed tomography systems, ozone therapy, multiple dental lasers, photobiomodulation and red light therapy. Dr. Peterson has used three-dimensional CBCT imaging since 2007 to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support more precise treatment planning.

Dr. Peterson is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Fellow of the Misch International Implant Institute and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a member of the Utah constituent of the Academy of General Dentistry and has held dental leadership roles at the district level in both Utah and Wyoming. He completes advanced continuing education each year to remain current in biological, restorative, implant, airway, neuromuscular and general dentistry.

Patients often seek out Dr. Peterson because they want a dentist who will consider their complete wellness, provide mercury-free and biocompatible options, and take the time to understand their individual concerns and priorities. His goal is to help each patient pursue their desired level of health and wellness through individualized care, high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology.