Virginia Biological Dentistry is a biological dental practice in Glen Allen, Virginia, serving patients from Richmond and the Greater Richmond area. Our work rests on three clinical principles: treatment planning that considers the whole patient rather than a single tooth, biocompatible materials with metal-free options wherever they are clinically appropriate, and minimally invasive techniques that preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. The practice is led by Dr. Olivia Hart, and care is delivered by a team of dentists who work within the same biological framework.
Book a New Patient Appointment · New patients: (804) 381-6238
Patients in Richmond and the Greater Richmond area can access an advanced biological dental approach at Virginia Biological Dentistry in Glen Allen. In biological treatment planning, a dental problem is assessed in the context of the patient’s overall condition. A cavity, a cracked filling or a failing tooth is never planned in isolation, because the right answer depends on what else is happening in that mouth and in that person’s health.
Before recommending treatment, our dentists weigh three groups of information:
International standards such as ISO 7405 set out how the biocompatibility of dental materials is evaluated, but they describe materials in general. Biocompatible dentistry asks a narrower question: which biocompatible dental materials suit this specific patient? The same logic applies to technique. A damaged tooth may be rebuilt conservatively instead of being crowned, and old metal restorations may be replaced in a planned sequence. In some cases, the best recommendation is simply to monitor.
The method, the material and the extent of treatment are decided only after this evaluation, and every plan is built from the patient’s own data. This is how Virginia Biological Dentistry makes conservative, minimally invasive and metal-free dentistry available to patients across the Richmond area, with an individual plan for each case. For a deeper explanation of the philosophy itself, see What Is Biological Dentistry.
The expertise behind Virginia Biological Dentistry spans biological and mercury-safe dentistry, ceramic implantology, biological oral surgery, and biomimetic restorative dentistry. Every Richmond-area patient has access to these complementary clinical competencies within one biological dental practice in Glen Allen.
Founder and lead biological dentist · Biological surgery, ceramic implants, complex biological cases
Dr. Olivia Hart is the practice’s lead biological dentist, with 15 years in practice and more than a decade focused on biological care. She performs the practice’s surgical and implant work and plans its most complex cases.
Biological restorative dentist · Biomimetic and adhesive dentistry, preservation-focused care
Dr. Hanna Varno brings strong restorative and biomimetic training to the practice’s biological expertise. Her focus is preserving natural tooth structure and restoring function with conservative, adhesive and biomimetic techniques.
You may have silver fillings that are decades old, cracked or leaking at the edges. You may simply want to move to non-metal restorations but worry about what happens when the old material is drilled out. Virginia Biological Dentistry offers safe mercury amalgam removal for Richmond-area patients following the IAOMT’s SMART protocol. SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) is a standardized set of safety measures, including isolation, high-volume suction, air filtration and protective barriers, that reduces exposure to mercury vapor and particles during the procedure. The tooth is then restored with a biocompatible, metal-free material. See our safe amalgam removal page and the step-by-step protocol we follow.
This applies if a tooth is already missing, a gap remains after an extraction, or a failing tooth will need replacing. It also applies if you want a tooth replacement without metal. For these patients, Virginia Biological Dentistry places ceramic dental implants near Richmond, VA, at its Glen Allen office. Zirconia implants restore a missing tooth with a fully metal-free foundation and crown. When the bone and tissue allow, the implant can be placed immediately after extraction, often with a same-day ceramic crown. Our ceramic implant case gallery shows documented cases from the practice, including full-mouth reconstruction. Learn more about ceramic dental implants.
This applies if you have a tooth that cannot be saved, a persistent infection, a failed root canal, or pain and swelling that keep returning. In those cases, removal may be the healthiest option. Virginia Biological Dentistry provides biological tooth extraction near Richmond, VA, with a protocol designed around clean, predictable healing:
This approach also prepares the site for a future ceramic implant if the tooth will be replaced. See biological extractions and failed or infected root canals.
This applies if a tooth is cracked, worn, decayed, or holding a large old filling, but enough of it remains to save. Our first goal is then to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible. Depending on the case, options include:
A bonded partial restoration can often replace a full crown, which saves healthy structure. In-office milling allows many ceramic restorations to be designed and placed in a single visit, and the practice backs its work with a restoration warranty.
This applies if your gums bleed when you brush, plaque builds up quickly, you have been told you have gum disease, or routine cleanings no longer seem to be enough. Our bio-periodontal program starts by understanding what is driving the problem. Options include:
The program is led by Jennifer, an IAOMT-accredited biological hygienist and one of only about 50 nationwide, and the only one in Virginia.
Many people do not realize a dentist can help with these issues. Reasons patients come to us include:
Virginia Biological Dentistry runs a dedicated airway and sleep program. It includes take-home sleep studies, custom dental sleep appliances, NightLase® laser therapy, myofunctional therapy, Myobrace, and TMJ appliances. The right option depends on what the evaluation and, where needed, a sleep study show.
Your child may need prevention, treatment for cavities, a restored tooth, or help with how their jaws and airway are developing. You may also simply want a gentler, less invasive start to dental care. Our Kids Bio Dental program offers:
Gentle Bio AIRFLOW cleanings are designed for children who are anxious about the dentist.
Our Glen Allen office cares for patients from Richmond, Henrico, Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Hanover and Chesterfield, as well as patients who travel from other cities and states.
Listened to and informed
“She is thorough, pays attention to details and answers questions with sound, fact-based information.”
— Jody J.
A clear evaluation and plan
“Through an evaluation, a cleaning, several fillings, and an extraction… the best dental practice I have experienced in my 86 years!”
— Long-time patient, age 86 (handwritten testimonial)
Choosing a biological treatment
“I chose to begin with a ceramic implant and ceramic crowns for 6 of my front teeth… I had no residual pain or side effects except a much happier smile.”
— Aurora R. (handwritten testimonial)
After difficult past experiences
“Having experienced some pretty traumatic dental treatment in other practices… From my first visit I was treated with kindness and professionalism.”
— Gail M.
Your care starts with the first phone call. Our new-patient team asks about your main concern, your dental history and what matters most to you, so the visit is prepared before you arrive. If past dental experiences make you anxious, that first conversation is also the place to talk about them and agree on a pace that feels right.
The new-patient exam takes place over two visits. At the first visit, we collect a full medical and dental history and take digital X-rays, 3D CBCT imaging, and facial and intraoral photographs. Between visits, Dr. Hart reviews every finding herself, including an airway and TMJ assessment. Following Slow Dentistry principles, she does not rush a diagnosis. At the second visit, a 40–45 minute consultation, she walks you through the results, the options and a clear treatment plan. You are welcome to bring a partner or family member.
Concerned about dental treatment or previous difficult experiences? We offer relaxation options for anxious patients and sedation dentistry.
Using IAOMT-based protocols to safely remove mercury fillings while minimizing exposure.
Zirconia crowns, ceramic implants, and metal-free fillings designed for biocompatibility and longevity.
👉 [Ceramic Restorations / Implants]
Gentle extraction techniques with laser disinfection and PRF to support optimal healing.
Minimally invasive laser therapy for cavities, gum disease, and inflammation reduction.
👉 [Laser Dentistry]
Modern biofilm-focused hygiene for anxious or sensitive patients.
👉 [Biological Hygiene / Airflow]
Addressing breathing, tongue posture, and jaw development for long-term health.
Yes. Virginia Biological Dentistry welcomes new adult and pediatric patients from Richmond and the Greater Richmond area at our Glen Allen office. Call (804) 381-6238 or request an appointment online.
Yes. Many patients come in with a single question, such as an old amalgam filling, a tooth that may need extraction, or a treatment plan from another office. Because biological treatment planning looks at the whole mouth, Dr. Hart reviews your concern in the context of a full evaluation, so the recommendation you receive fits your overall situation.
Costs depend on what the evaluation shows, so they are set once your treatment plan is ready. You receive the plan, including fees, at your consultation visit, before any treatment begins.
Often, yes. Virginia Biological Dentistry is out of network with all insurance plans. Patients pay at the time of service, and we file claims with your insurer as a courtesy after treatment. Depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits, the insurer sends reimbursement directly to you.
Coverage varies. Our team helps patients navigate benefits and financing options.
Yes. Out-of-state adults can start with a virtual comprehensive teledentistry consultation before planning a trip to Glen Allen for treatment.
At Virginia Biological Dentistry in Glen Allen and serving patients throughout Richmond and Virginia we help individuals seeking biological dental care to address their dental conditions that can impact their systemic health, and long-term wellness.
If you’re looking for a biological dentist or holistic dentist in Richmond, Virginia, we invite you to schedule a consultation and discover how whole-body dentistry can support your long-term health.
Click here to make an appointment now or call (804) 381-6238 or email at [email protected] to learn more.
