Rose
Clinical Manager and Education Specialist
A passionate holistic advocate and educator who earned her RDH license at the University of Pittsburgh and her BS in Health and Administration from Penn State.
Home / About
Every patient is part of the nutraDentist family.
Meet the doctors and team behind biological dentistry and functional wellness in the South Hills.
The holistic approach
Your mouth is connected to everything.
To us, every single patient matters.
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are not just isolated oral issues. They reflect underlying systemic, metabolic or biochemical imbalances. Treating these dental problems without supporting your body's overall physiology often leads to recurring issues.
At nutraDentist, we are dedicated to staying up to date with the latest dental and nutritional research so we can offer each patient current, evidence-based advice and care. We treat every patient like family, because that is exactly how we see you: an important part of our extended nutraDentist family.
Dr. Mark and our entire team are committed to addressing all your concerns, whether you face an emergency or are looking for comprehensive dental and nutritional care. We pride ourselves on responding promptly and efficiently in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Your opinions and thoughts are always encouraged and valued here.
We also strive to make your visit memorable and enjoyable, with relaxing music, soothing aromatherapy and friendly, five-star service designed to support your comfort every step of the way.
How we treat you
What guides every visit.
Like family
Every patient is part of the extended nutraDentist family, and every single patient matters.
Current research
The team stays up to date on dental and nutritional research to give you evidence-based advice.
Prompt answers
From emergencies to big treatment plans, your concerns get a quick and thorough response.
Your voice counts
Your opinions and thoughts are always encouraged and valued in every decision.
Holistic dentist
Dr. Mark H. Buzzatto
Dr. Mark H. Buzzatto, DDS is a practicing holistic healthcare professional, educator and consultant with decades of experience in biologically based dentistry. He specializes in safe amalgam removal and nutritional support as part of a comprehensive approach to oral and whole-body health.
He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Temple University and completed advanced training in Whole Food Nutrition through the International Foundation for Nutrition and Health, where he also serves on the advisory board. He is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), the Weston A. Price Foundation and the International Foundation for Nutrition and Health.
He has spoken at local and regional events on the connection between diet, nutrition and the long-term health of the mouth and body.
DDSDoctor of Dental Surgery, Temple University
IBDMIntegrative Biological Dental Medicine, American Board of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry
NMDBoard Certified Naturopathic Physician, American Naturopathic Certification Board
CCWFNCertified Clinician in Whole Food Nutrition, International Foundation for Nutrition and Health
Philosophy of dentistry
Healing works from the inside out.
Dr. Buzzatto has studied the root cause of tooth decay. His point of view is based on studies that point to a mineral imbalance as the cause.
His approach draws on more than a hundred studies by Dr. Steinman, a dental researcher, and Dr. Leonora, an endocrinologist, at Loma Linda University.
The Fun Food Day
One day a week, eat what you want. Moderation is still best, but if you are going to indulge, it is better to do it one day a week than a little every day. Your body gets a chance to regroup, and the teeth keep doing their work most of the time. Abstinence and deprivation rarely last, so the Fun Food Day helps you stay healthy and happy.
1
Teeth have their own pumps. Cells in the pulp send a mineralized fluid out through tiny tubules to the enamel. It is a cleansing, protective fluid that always moves from the inside out.
2
Sugar slows the flow. In Dr. Buzzatto's view, processed sugar signals the body to turn that flow down, and sometimes even reverse it, for a period after eating.
3
Minerals can be lost. When the flow reverses, the tooth can lose mineral content. That is why how often you eat sugar matters as much as how much.
4
Nutrition is part of the plan. Nutritional guidance is part of every care plan at nutraDentist, alongside the dentistry itself.
Outside the office
When he is not playing dentist.
Music
Dr. Buzzatto plays the harmonica. His oldest son, Harrison, is a musician and has featured him on the tracks Far Away Mountains, Homonculus and Amity Lone Pine.
Gardening
Each spring he is outside laying out seeds for zucchini, lettuce, kale, tomatoes, onions, garlic and cucumbers, plus herbs like rosemary, basil and mint.
Languages
He loves culture and connecting with people in their own language, and has become fluent in both Spanish and Italian.
Dentist
Dr. Lauren Buzzatto
Dr. Lauren is a seasoned dental professional with over 30 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1988 and has been caring for the people of Pittsburgh ever since.
She enjoys time with her husband, Scott, and her daughter, Cameron. She also loves tennis, fitness, traveling and walking their two large dogs, Bubba and Zoey.
Dr. Mark and Dr. Lauren are excited to team up in caring for your health for many years to come.
Meet the team
The people who make it feel like home.
Lisa
Director of Operations
With over 20 years in dentistry, Lisa guides you through your Journey to Health. She also volunteers in animal rescue and loves her dachshunds.
Ashley
Naturopath and Gut Health Specialist
A board-certified Traditional Naturopath with over 21 years in nutrition, specializing in digestive wellness and GI testing of the microbiome.
Amauri
Front Desk and Reception
From your first call, Amauri makes scheduling and check-in warm, organized and stress-free. Ask her about thrifting or her latest restaurant find.
Jamie
Office Manager
Jamie brings a business background and a long interest in alternative medicine to an office that lives and breathes holistic care.
Elena
Salt and Light Therapy Specialist
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Elena is the certified salt and light therapy specialist and also handles marketing and social media.