When most people think of the dentist, they imagine bright lights, uncomfortable procedures, and the faint hum of a handpiece. But for Dr. Kevin Schwandt of Reclaim Integrative Dentistry & Implant Center, dentistry is about something much more—it’s about helping people understand and support the connection between their oral health and systemic health.
Dr. Kevin didn’t always know he wanted to be a dentist. Growing up, he was fascinated by how the body worked as a whole rather thaBy teeth in particular. “I loved science and health, but I was drawn to understanding how everything connects,” he recalls. Early on, he was particularly intrigued by the anatomy of the human eye.
It’s no surprise that curiosity about how things function runs in the family—his father is an engineer, and his mother worked as a dental hygienist for over 30 years. Out of six siblings, half followed their father into engineering, while the other half, including Kevin, found their calling in dentistry.
In college, everything clicked. Dentistry offered the perfect balance of art, science, and hands-on healing. “I loved working with my hands and knew I wanted to help people,” Dr. Kevin says. “Dentistry brought all of that together in a really unique way.”
What’s it like to be a dentist? “It’s never boring,” Dr. Kevin laughs. “Every day, I get to help people in ways they don’t expect. Someone might come in for an ortho consult, and we end up uncovering how their jaw, airway, or posture is affecting their sleep, energy, or even headaches.”
That passion for looking beyond the surface is what makes Dr. Kevin’s approach unique. After facing his own airway and sleep issues, he realized how life-changing proper diagnosis and treatment can be. “For years, I struggled with fatigue and breathing problems that no one could explain,” he shares. “Once I learned how much our airway impacts overall health, I made it my mission to help others avoid what I went through.” This experience shaped the foundation of Reclaim Integrative Dentistry—a place where whole-body wellness comes first.
Unlike many dental offices today, Reclaim is proudly independent. “We’re not part of a big corporation,” Dr. Kevin explains. “We’re a private practice that takes the time to really know our patients. That means we can do what’s truly best for them, not just what an insurance company thinks is best.”
While the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry provided him with the fundamentals of traditional dentistry, Dr. Kevin’s curiosity pushed him further. His independent research after graduation led him to the field of biological dentistry—an approach that goes beyond treating teeth to focus on how the mouth influences the entire body.
At Reclaim Dentistry, that philosophy guides everything they do. The team uses biological and holistic protocols that respect the body’s natural healing processes—incorporating therapies such as ozone, laser treatments, PRF, and biocompatible materials, while also emphasizing airway-focused and nutritional care. “Using a biological and airway-centered approach, we address the root causes of disease and dysfunction to help our patients heal, breathe, and sleep better—and ultimately feel their best,” Dr. Kevin says.
For younger readers who might be curious about becoming a dentist, Dr. Kevin offers some advice: “Don’t just think about teeth—think about people. Dentistry is really about relationships and problem-solving. You need curiosity, compassion, and a steady hand—but most of all, a desire to help.” He credits his mentors and teachers for shaping his journey, especially those who encouraged him to challenge the status quo. “The best dentists are lifelong learners. Science keeps evolving, and so should we.”
When he’s not in the office, you’ll likely find Dr. Kevin out on Colorado’s trails, skiing or hiking, working on his many woodworking projects, or seeing local live music shows with friends. He’s continually investing in advanced dental technologies and collaborating with like-minded providers who share his passion for integrative care.
“It’s a privilege to help people reclaim their health—beyond just their smile,” he says.
So, the next time you think of a dentist, picture someone who’s not just fixing teeth, but helping people live their healthiest lives.
