While most dentists are content to simply drill and fill, Dr. Neil Raj has spent the last decade challenging conventional wisdom. The Holistic Dental Brunswick’s principal dentist and owner has assembled a team of 12 dentists and nearly 20 employees, improving oral care across Melbourne and India.
The Start of Holistic Dental Brunswick
When Raj acquired his practice in 2017, he faced the challenge of reviving a struggling business. Yet, he saw it as a prime opportunity to introduce his unique dental care focus. This radically transformed the practice and Dr. Raj’s professional journey.
From the outset, Dr. Raj has focused on integrating inclusive principles into every aspect of patient care. He introduced new treatments such as breathing techniques, vagus nerve stimulation, and low-level laser therapy alongside traditional dental procedures, quickly setting Holistic Dental Brunswick apart from conventional practices.
“When I started the clinic, I wanted to do more than fix teeth. I saw how dental problems often connect to other health issues, so we look at the whole person. It is amazing how fixing someone’s bite can improve their health and happiness. This is what excites me about coming to work every day,” he shares.
Word spread about the practice’s methodology, and patient numbers multiplied. Raj’s dedication to addressing dental issues and their underlying causes resonated with health-conscious individuals seeking a more integrated approach to their well-being.
The Connection of Dental Health and Whole-Body Wellness
Raj recognised early on that dental issues often indicate broader health concerns. This insight led him to develop a strategy considering the patient’s physical, emotional, and nutritional profile.
His methods have also proven particularly effective in treating common issues such as bruxism or teeth grinding and clenching. Rather than simply addressing the symptoms, he addresses potential root causes such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, or sleep disorders, improving patient results, including reduced migraines, facial pain, and overall stress levels.
“During my years of practice, I have learned that true healing comes from understanding the root cause of a problem. That’s why we do not just treat symptoms here. We dig deeper. It is not always easy, but when you see someone smile without pain for the first time in years, you know you are on the right track. That is what dentistry is all about,” he explains.
Building A Legacy Of Smiles
Raj is on his way to fundamentally change how oral care is approached and delivered through education. He plans to coordinate courses for craniofacial pain, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and sleep disorders in Australia and India. This initiative aims to train allied health professionals and dentists in holistic dental practices, spreading his philosophy and potentially transforming dental care practices across two continents.
With Holistic Dental Brunswick’s success firmly established, he has set his sights on expanding his dental care practice internationally. His ambitious plan includes opening multiple franchises of his clinic in major cities across India, with the first fully operational clinic set to launch in Bangalore by October 2024.
This expansion into his home country actualises his mission to bring comprehensive dental care to a new market. The dentist sees immense potential in India, where traditional healing practices are rooted in the culture.
Truly, Raj’s practice has sunk its teeth into success, with over 5,000 patients served and counting. As he expands his empire, it is clear he has found the perfect formula for success, and it is nothing to brush off.