The latest episode of The Flourish Podcast welcomed a deeply inspiring guest, Dr. Sharon Dickerson, a trauma-informed biological dentist with over 35 years of experience. In conversation with Dr. Toni Engram, the two explored a wide range of powerful topics, from mercury toxicity and fluoride to TMJ dysfunction and patient-centered care. Together, they pulled back the curtain on what it truly means to practice dentistry that heals not just the mouth but the whole person.
Dr. Dickerson’s path to biological dentistry began with her own health crisis. After struggling with fibromyalgia-like symptoms and chronic fatigue in her early 30s, she uncovered the root cause: mercury toxicity, likely from years of occupational exposure to dental amalgam.
I started to develop what was termed fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome… I was a young mom and dentist and just feeling really crummy,” Dr. Dickerson shared. “Eventually, I found out I had mercury poisoning. Once I started to feel better, I knew I had to rethink how I could stay in dentistry without harming myself or my patients.
Her story resonated with Dr. Engram, who added, “So many of us in holistic practice have these pivotal moments, where we start asking different questions and find a whole new way forward.”
One of the most profound parts of the discussion was Dr. Dickerson’s insight into trauma-informed care. She explained how deeply vulnerable dental care can feel for many people, especially those with a history of trauma.
“There’s nothing quite like dentistry in terms of vulnerability. You’re lying still, conscious and asked to trust someone to enter the most sensitive part of your body—your mouth,” she explained. “I start every patient relationship with a 30 to 40-minute conversation in a non-clinical setting. No exams, no instruments. Just listening.”
This approach, grounded in safety and trust, reflects the same values at the heart of Flourish Dental Boutique—care that honors the person, not just the procedure.
The conversation also addressed growing awareness around mercury and fluoride. Dr. Dickerson recalled her early skepticism about fluoride until she saw its negative effects firsthand, on her own child.
“My daughter developed noticeable fluorosis from overexposure. That one experience opened my eyes,” she said. “I started questioning the mainstream narrative and diving into the actual research.”
She emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to learn from patients, experiences and emerging science.
“There’s a lot we don’t know. But when you start lifting the veil, it becomes clear—there’s more to the story.”
Dr. Engram echoed this sentiment: “In holistic care, we’re constantly learning. Humility is part of the job.”
Another key topic was TMJ and TMD care, an area of specialty for Dr. Dickerson. Rooted in both personal experience and extensive continuing education, her approach combines occlusion science with a holistic lens.
“TMJ issues can be incredibly destabilizing—physically and emotionally,” she explained. “It’s not just about the jaw joint. It’s about the nervous system, inflammation, digestion and even sleep.”
She integrates appliance therapy, craniosacral care, myofunctional support and collaborative work with functional providers to address the full picture.
“When we look at TMJ through the lens of total body healing, the transformation is often remarkable.”
Located in Cherry Creek, Denver, Dr. Dickerson’s practice is a haven for those seeking care that blends science with soul. She does not contract with insurance providers—a choice she believes helps preserve the integrity of her work and the health of her patients.
“I don’t want a third party deciding what care someone gets,” she explained. “That level of control eats away at the soul of our profession. Instead, I focus on quality, biocompatibility and spending time with each patient.”
Dr. Engram added, “So many patients spend more upfront in practices like ours, but ultimately save time, pain and money by needing less intervention long term. And they feel seen and cared for throughout.”
As the conversation closed, Dr. Dickerson left listeners with a reminder that the mouth is more than a smile, it is a gateway to the body and a reflection of how we live and feel.
“Oral health is intricately connected to how we nourish, breathe and express ourselves. It deserves our best care.”
This episode of The Flourish Podcast was more than a professional exchange, it was a heartfelt reminder of why biologic, trauma-informed and whole-body dental care is not just important but necessary.
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