After decades in dentistry, Dr. Robert DiPilla began asking a different question: What if oral care could do more? Today, Dr. DiPilla’s work mirrors the city’s spirit—forward-thinking, collaborative, and deeply rooted in transformation. He partners with neurologists, regenerative medicine specialists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
His philosophy is simple but powerful: dentistry should prevent disease, not just repair damage. From saliva and pH testing to ozone and red light therapies, his tools support total-body health, starting at the source.
We sat down with Dr. DiPilla to explore his whole-patient approach, the future of dentistry, and how Detroit continues to shape his perspective and his practice.
Q: You’ve said the mouth is more than just teeth and gums—it’s a gateway to full-body wellness. What does that mean in practice?
A: We’re trained in dental school to be doctors of the mouth, but what I see happening in a lot of practices—especially corporate dentistry—is that it’s becoming more mechanical. Just fix the cavity, clean the teeth, and move on. We take a very different approach. Our office is patient-centric, not insurance-driven.
Everything in the body is connected. Inflammation is at the root of so many chronic diseases—autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. A lot of that shows up in the mouth first. Gum disease that doesn’t improve after cleanings, for example, might be related to systemic inflammation. So we peel back the layers. We do pH and saliva testing, we ask about diet, we look at the bigger picture and collaborate with other specialists to get patients truly healthy—not just symptom-free.
Q: What led you to this approach?
A: After years in practice, I realized a lot of my patients weren’t actually getting better. We’d patch things up, fix a tooth or cavity, but it wasn’t lasting. So I started working with regenerative internists, anti-aging doctors, physical therapists—we share patients and focus on treating root causes.
Dentists have a unique window into a patient’s health. We often see patients more regularly than their primary care physicians. That gives us an opportunity—and a responsibility—to be proactive, not reactive.
Q: How does oral health connect to the gut and the microbiome?
A: It’s huge. The oral microbiome is a delicate ecosystem made up of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If it’s thrown off -by poor diet, stress, or gut issues, it can lead to decay, gum disease, and even bone loss. We use pH strips in the office to test saliva and talk about hydration, probiotics, and diet.
Q: You use a lot of advanced tools—AI diagnostics, 3D imaging, even laser therapy. How do technology and human connection work together in your practice?
A: Tech has been a game-changer. We use AI to read radiographs—it acts like a second opinion. I had a patient recently who was told by another dentist she had 12 cavities. We retested, ran the images through our AI, and it turned out only six were actual concerns. Some were just early-stage enamel changes.
Q: You’ve said, “Don’t be a mechanic of the mouth. Be a doctor of the mouth.” What does that mindset shift mean for your patients?
A: It means we don’t just fix what’s broken. We educate, partner, and personalize care. We help patients understand their risk factors and give them tools to prevent future problems. Oral care is 100% part of overall wellness.
If someone skips their cleaning because their teeth “look fine,” they might miss the early signs of bigger issues. That’s why we do risk assessments—not just to see where you are today, but where you might be headed.
Q: Are patients receptive to this kind of wellness-based approach?
A: More than ever. People are paying attention to wellness, to longevity. We talk with patients about peptides, red light therapy, and ozone therapy—it’s all part of dentistry now. And the more we talk about it, the more people respond.
Q: What inspired you to open in downtown Detroit, and how has the city influenced your approach?
A: When I opened the office downtown eleven years ago, it was an amazing time. Detroit was reinventing itself, and I wanted to be part of that. Dan Gilbert, who was already a patient, suggested I look downtown. He had moved Quicken’s headquarters there and said, “You’ve got to come see this.”
Six months later, I toured a few buildings and was surprised to find many spaces were already taken. I got very lucky to secure a space at One Woodward. Floor-to-ceiling windows, incredible views—it rivals my old NYC office. I was the first dentist to move into the city in over 20 years. I’m proud of that.
Q: What’s next for the future of dentistry—and your practice?
A: Dentistry is evolving fast. We’re going to see more integration with wellness, more preventative tools, and more tech like our Biolase laser. That tool emits specific light to remove decay without a drill or a shot—it’s a game-changer for people with dental anxiety.
Cost and fear are two of the biggest reasons people avoid the dentist. We address both. We educate, we offer gentle options, and we welcome nervous patients. Watching someone who used to fear the dentist actually enjoy their visit? That’s the best part of this job.
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