Dr. Thomas 'Tod' Livingstone's Dynamic, Holistic Approach to Dentistry Has Served The Canaan, CT Community for Over 25 Years

CANAAN, Conn., Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Having faithfully served thousands of patients in the Northwest Connecticut communities of Kent and Canaan in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains the past 35 years, Dr. Thomas "Tod" Livingstone made the decision just a few years out of dental school to devote himself and his practice to a holistic approach to dentistry.

Driven by his long-held belief that his patients' perfect smile should reflect their overall health, the guiding philosophy driving Livingstone Dental Excellence is simple: to use his treatment and maintenance of their teeth and gums as a foundation for the overall health of their bodies and minds. Two phrases that patients can see on a scroll at the top of his website (www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com) capture the experience of being under his care: "Imagine going to the dentist with a feeling of total trust and comfort" and "Where getting the SMILE you've always wanted reflects your overall health."

After graduating from Farleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine in 1975, Dr. Livingstone spent a few years practicing dentistry the traditional way he was taught in school. Quickly realizing that too many patients came in feeling fine and went home unhappy and hurting made him decide there had to be a better way to practice.

He found out about a New York-based newsletter called the Holistic Dental Digest and contacted its editor, Dr. Jerome Mittelman. Dr. Livingstone began receiving the newsletter and learned about nutrition and homeopathic remedies, and became fascinated with studies that showed how administering these to patients led to greater comfort, less pain and little or no swelling.

Dr. Livingstone's choice to go the holistic route and approach and incorporate his knowledge of homeopathic treatments completely revolutionized his practice – starting with the complete elimination of mercury-silver (amalgam) fillings by 1980 in favor of totally non-toxic, biocompatible materials.

He is similarly non-traditional when it comes to treating gum disease, finding that he can treat it non-surgically with a combination of high-grade disinfecting materials that are bio compatible and nutritional supplements to boost a patient's immune system. Livingstone Dental Excellence has long used the emerging technology of digital X-rays, which reduce radiation exposure.

Aside from his strong reputation for not hurting his patients, Dr. Livingstone stands out from his contemporaries by being the only dentist within a 50-mile radius to guarantee his work. If someone is not happy with his work or the results, he will either not charge them or give them a refund.

Continuing education is an important part of Dr. Livingstone's commitment to his patients. He regularly participates in continuing education as a way to provide the most up-to-date treatment options and highest quality care.

His commitment to cutting-edge technology includes administrative tools that make life easier for both his patients and staff. Chief among these is Revenue Well, a totally automated, patient communication system which confirms appointments, allows patients to change them electronically, offers online bill paying and balances and even generates birthday cards.

Dr. Livingstone, a major outdoors enthusiast whose passions include riding motorcycles, fishing, camping, scuba diving, snow skiing and sports car racing, has extended the impact of his practice to many extracurricular activities. He has had articles published both locally and nationally, has given speeches before numerous audiences, is an ex-director and board member of the Society for Occlusal Studies, and has appeared on a number of radio and television shows on the subject of holistic dentistry and mercury toxicity. He is currently developing a call-in program for the local Sharon, Connecticut NPR station entitled "Ask the Dentist."

In addition, he provides free dental care for adults and children through the Habitat for Humanity and Volunteers in Medicine (Great Barrington, Massachusetts) and is on the dental board of directors of V.I.M. He also sponsors a local "Give Kids A Smile" day to provide comprehensive dental care at no charge to children of parents who cannot readily afford care for their children.

Dr. Livingstone has also been asked to appear and speak before the Environmental Protection Agency on the subject of heavy metal and mercury toxicity.

Read more at: http://www.livingstonedentalexcellence.com/Dr-Livingstone-Dynamic-Holistic-Dentistry.asp

SOURCE Dr. Thomas "Tod" Livingstone