Mahvish Ahmed MS, DDS

quip: Your approach mixes holistic wellness with good old-fashioned dental science. How do you bridge the gap between the mind-body-spirit philosophy and evidence-based dentistry in your practice? (Do you ever have to convince skeptical patients or colleagues that the two can work together?)

Dr. Ahmed: My goal has never been to convince patients but rather to educate and empower them to understand their bodies so they can receive the best standard of care. The best way to achieve this is by keeping them informed. I consider my approach not just holistic but integrative, helping patients tune into their own bodies. This allows me to incorporate evidence-based dentistry along with evidence-based thought from other modalities, enabling me to be a mindful practitioner.

It’s truly about getting to know your patients, building long-term relationships, and staying current with available treatment options to best serve them. Dentistry and medicine are rapidly evolving, along with our understanding of how different parts of the body are connected. For example, airway health and sleep play significant roles in both pediatric and adult dentistry, affecting overall well-being at a cellular level. I always tell my patients that beauty follows function—they go hand in hand. If the mechanics of a smile aren’t functioning properly, it will affect the esthetic outcome. Both are part of the same story, helping me understand my patients and their goals so I can best deliver a healthy and beautiful smile.

quip: What does it actually look like to bring holistic techniques into a dental appointment? For example, we heard you might even guide patients through breathwork – how do they react, and what difference does it make in their experience at the dentist’s office?

Dr. Ahmed: In my experience, the most powerful moment in a dental visit is when the patient and doctor connect, and when the patient is connected to themselves. Breath is a life force. I use yoga breathing to bring awareness back to my patients and stimulate the vagus nerve to help induce calm.

Often, patients aren’t aware of what’s causing their rapid heart rate, especially when experiencing dental anxiety which has become even more common post-COVID. Validating their feelings and helping them manage anxiety can be incredibly empowering, fostering a more relaxing environment. When patients have a phobia around numbing, I guide them through box breathing and deep belly breaths. I’ve found this technique to be highly effective, especially as an alternative for patients who prefer to avoid oral sedation.

Tongue reading is also an invaluable tool, not only for oral cancer screenings but also for assessing gut health. Additionally, giving patients the opportunity to share their dental history can be eye-opening. The throat holds a lot of trauma, which often manifests as pain or fear. Helping patients recognize these connections allows them to better understand their own bodies.

quip: A lot of dentists are intrigued by holistic dentistry but unsure how to start. What advice would you give fellow dental professionals who want to integrate more holistic or wellness-based practices into their work? Any small steps or techniques you’d recommend for testing the waters without overhauling their entire approach?

Dr. Ahmed: I really love and appreciate this thoughtful question. The term "holistic" often gets a bad rap, which is common when an idea is new, unfamiliar, or misunderstood. I have deep respect for the tradition of dentistry and the importance of standardized practices, just as I do for holistic wellness. To me, they are two limbs of the same body just as the mouth is not separate from the rest of the body.

Sometimes, the definition of holistic care is misinterpreted. Personally, I see it as "conscious dentistry." It all starts with understanding yourself and how you want to practice. Challenge yourself through research, and most importantly, listen to your patients. It begins at a very human level.

For example, I’ve numbed myself before to better understand what a patient experiences. For young dentists, I encourage networking with colleagues who are integrating holistic approaches, as well as staying informed through research-backed data. We’re in an exciting era of dentistry where professional communities are growing, and open dialogue is encouraged. Engage with like-minded doctors, explore new products and workflows, and always start with the question: Why? Why would this benefit your patients?

quip: You don’t just fix teeth – you also teach yoga (because why have just one career, right?). How did that passion start for you, and has your yoga training influenced the way you practice dentistry or connect with patients?

Dr. Ahmed: I’ve loved beauty and healing since I was young. I actually discovered yoga after multiple injuries as a Division I athlete. I was a collegiate rower in a former life! It became a pivotal tool in my rehabilitation, teaching me patience and leading me to a deeper understanding of true healing.

Yoga helped me connect with others, sharpen my awareness of nonverbal cues, and develop a heightened sense of presence, all of which translate into my dental practice. As dentists, we rely heavily on our tactile senses. Yoga has trained me to be more in tune, allowing me to communicate more effectively with my patients. The language I learned in my teacher training carries over into my dental practice, helping me explain procedures in multiple ways to accommodate different learning styles whether through visuals, verbal explanations, or sensory feedback. My goal is to create an environment where my patients feel safe and heard because their voice is just as important in achieving the best outcomes. Just as yoga has modifications for every practice, dentistry too has multiple pathways to success.

quip: One minute you’re doing a root canal, the next you’re in downward dog. How do you switch gears between being a dentist and a yoga instructor and still find balance (pun intended)? Do you have any routines or mindset tricks that help you stay grounded while juggling these two worlds?

Dr. Ahmed: Oh wow, you know, as healthcare professionals, most of our days are spent focusing on others. Creating time for ourselves is just as valuable. For a long time, I kept my worlds separate, but over the years, I’ve realized how dentistry and yoga are both integral parts of my everyday life. Taking care of my body has helped me take better care of my patients—both are necessary.

Some days, I wish I were better at balancing the two, but after a long surgery day, I’ll usually take a restorative yoga class and spend extra time in the poses. Every morning, I set an intention and do a short moving yoga practice even if it’s only for five minutes before starting my day. I also choose a mantra to return to throughout the day. This has become a daily must-have for me.

quip: What mindfulness practices or self-care rituals would you recommend to fellow dental professionals looking to manage stress and maintain balance in their own careers?

Dr. Ahmed: A morning and evening body scan can be incredibly valuable for checking in with yourself physically. Dentists have demanding, physically intensive jobs, so it’s important to take care of our bodies. At the end of the day, heart-opening stretches and self-massage for the hands, wrists, and forearms can provide much-needed relief.

Before starting a long procedure, I always take a few moments to visualize the process and regulate my breathing. It puts me in the same focused state I enter during my moving meditation practice. Epsom salt soaks are also fantastic for recovery. We often underestimate how much energy we absorb throughout the day. I recommend choosing one self-care practice and incorporating it consistently at the same time each day. This trains your body to recognize that it’s time to unwind. I’m lucky to work near Central Park, so after a busy day, I make it a point to take a short walk to reset and recharge.

quip: Botox in dentistry is still relatively new territory for some providers—but you're actively integrating it into your cosmetic offerings. Can you share how Botox treatments have impacted your practice, and why you think more dentists might benefit from adding this to their own treatment menus?

Dr. Ahmed: I’ve always been passionate about facial aesthetics, and the world of injectables, particularly Botox, excited me from the moment I finished dental school. I love seeing my patients look and feel their best. Beyond aesthetics, Botox is life-changing for pain management especially for TMJ disorders.

For the right patient, a combination of masseter Botox and a properly fitted night guard can provide incredible relief. Botox also addresses headaches and forehead tension, making it a valuable treatment. It reinforces the idea that dentistry extends beyond teeth. It encompasses the entire facial anatomy.

quip: Dental jewelry has been gaining popularity recently, and you’re right on the frontlines of this sparkly trend. What's your professional take on tooth gems—are they just fun accessories, or do you see them as a genuine opportunity to encourage younger or hesitant patients to engage more actively with their oral health?

Dr. Ahmed: Dental jewelry is a fun way to showcase how creative and artistic dentistry really is. It’s an elective accessory that allows patients to personalize their smiles, and there are safe ways to do it. Some options don’t even require touching the tooth structure.

I have plenty of patients who want something temporary for a special occasion or event, giving them a way to express themselves without permanence. It’s always a fun conversation where I can collaborate with patients to bring their vision to life. For those looking for something more long-term, I also have patients who incorporate diamonds into their veneers, allowing us to create some truly unique and exciting designs.

quip: You've gotten hands-on with some of quip’s latest innovations. What’s your professional take on quip’s current lineup, and do you have any favorites you find yourself recommending to patients?

Dr. Ahmed: I am obsessed with the new quip Ultra! It’s hands down my new favorite. I really respect the feedback quip received and how they used it to create a product I can confidently recommend to my patients.

The pressure sensor is a great feature, especially for patients transitioning from manual to ultrasonic brushing for the first time. The brush head is also incredibly soft and consciously designed to reduce waste which is an aspect I really appreciate.