The Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD) is a nonprofit educational institute developing and hosting the world’s first residency-style certificate pathways in Functional Dentistry.
Through a structured, multi-track curriculum, IFD bridges dentistry and medicine using systems biology, core functional medicine principles, and oral–systemic science.
Implementing functional dentistry creates a practice-wide shift from a mechanical, symptom-driven model to a precision-based clinical framework that supports whole-body healing. Clinicians learn to think upstream and detect dysfunction in the system before disease begins.
Through over 75 expert-led modules, live case integration sessions, and a global community of like-minded practitioners, IFD will give you the knowledge and tools to create a more impactful and fulfilling practice.
Expand your calling into purpose-driven, preventative, and profoundly impactful care.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
We offer four distinct certificate tracks tailored to meet you at every stage of your career.
This track is foundational, providing the oral–systemic framework that dental teams need to participate in upstream, whole-body diagnostics.
Ideal for: Dental hygienists, assistants, treatment coordinators, and other auxiliary providers.
CE Hours: 52.5 CE hours
Credential: Certificate in Functional Dental Team Care
This track delivers the systems-based and oral–systemic framework clinicians need to implement upstream, preventive, and whole-person periodontal care.
Graduates will qualify to be listed in the IFD Certified Practitioner directory.
Ideal for: Dental hygienists, periodontal clinicians, and other providers focused on regenerative care and long-term patient transformation.
CE Hours: 85.75 CE hours
Credential: Certificate in Functional Hygiene
This track is designed for clinicians who are ready to integrate systems biology into their workflows. This curriculum expands purpose to the profession by reconnecting dentistry to the rest of the body.
It qualifies participants for a listing in the IFD Certified Practitioner directory. You may upgrade to Track 4 when ready.
Ideal for: General dentists and specialists, as well as integrative practitioners.
CE Hours: 160+ CE hours.
Credential: Certificate in Functional Dentistry
The Mastery Track for Advanced Learners
The ultimate credential for dentists fully integrating functional medicine and dentistry into practice. This track combines the complete educational curricula of both the Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD) and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) to meet board certification requirements.
It qualifies participants for a listing in the IFD and IFM Certified Practitioner directories. You will also be fully eligible for IFM’s certification exam.
Ideal for: Dentists, advanced learners, and academic and thought leaders.
CE Hours: 240+ CE hours.
Credential:
IFD practitioners who complete Track 3 and 4 are listed in our “IFD Provider Network Directory”.
A “Functional Dental Practice Certificate” is awarded for practices that have completed IFD’s education as a unified care team. This designation is earned when all dentists complete Track 3 or Track 4 and all team members complete Track 1 or Track 2, reflecting a shared foundation in functional dentistry across the entire practice.
The Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD) is a non-profit organization offering comprehensive, residency-level certificate programs that train dental professionals to lead a new era of systems-based care. IFD is an independent, self-funded nonprofit with its own mission, faculty, and curriculum.
This program is designed for dental and allied health practitioners who are ready to provide enhanced care to their patients. Our programs encourage you to think critically and transform outcomes for your patients. We have tracks for anyone in the dental profession, from early-career practitioners to allied team members and advanced providers.
The functional medicine model is centered around establishing a therapeutic partnership with the patient. This helps practitioners reconnect to their purpose in medicine and can decrease feelings of burnout.
The program delivery format includes:
The credentials you receive depend on the certificate track you complete. The Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD) offers the following main pathways, each resulting in a specific credential.
| Track 1: Functional Dental Team | Track 2: Functional Hygiene | Track 3: Core Functional Dentistry |
|---|---|---|
|
Designed for clinical support professionals: Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Treatment Coordinators, Non-Licensed Team Members,
Auxiliary Providers and Allied Health Professional. Results in a Certificate in Functional Dental Team Care. |
Designed for: Dental Hygienists, Periodontal-focused clinicians, Oral Hygiene Enthusiasts, Preventive Health Coaches working in dental settings.
Results in a Functional Hygiene Certificate and eligibility for a listing in the IFD Provider Network Directory. |
Designed for: General Dentists, Dental Specialists and Integrative Practitioners.
Results in a Core Functional Dentistry Certificate and qualifies you for a listing in the IFD Provider Network Directory. |
