Goodwin Dentistry and Medicine
by Jeannine Gage
At first glance, Goodwin Dentistry and Medicine feels familiar – a welcoming neighborhood practice on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park, just minutes from Oviedo and Winter Springs. When patients step inside, however, they quickly realize this is not traditional dentistry. The practice is built on a biologic, integrative philosophy that views oral health as inseparable from overall wellness.
Dr. Aaron Goodwin is one of only a dozen professionals in the country trained as both a physician and a dentist, completing collaborative medical and dental education at Nova Southeastern University. Rather than following the common path into oral surgery, he envisioned something different: a practice where dentistry and medicine work together to uncover root causes, reduce inflammation, and support whole-body health.
“Dentistry has historically focused on teeth in isolation,” says Dr. Goodwin. “But the mouth is deeply connected to breathing, sleep, immune health, and even neurological function. When you start looking at patients through that broader lens, the way you diagnose and treat changes.”
A Biologic Approach to Dentistry
Biologic dentistry – sometimes called integrative or holistic dentistry – emphasizes biocompatible materials, minimally invasive techniques, and a strong focus on prevention and systemic health. At Goodwin Dentistry and Medicine, that philosophy influences everything from diagnostics to treatment planning.
Advanced imaging allows the team to evaluate airway health, jaw function, and facial structure alongside traditional dental findings. Patients with chronic migraines, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, snoring, or sleep apnea often arrive through referrals from neurologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, and physicians seeking a new perspective.
Treatment may include ceramic implant solutions, replacement of incompatible dental materials, and therapies designed to support healing while minimizing stress on the body. The goal is not simply to restore teeth, but to create harmony between oral health and overall physiology.
Dr. Goodwin credits his medical training for shaping that outlook. During his family medicine residency, he saw how fragmented modern healthcare had become – with patients more concerned about symptoms than root causes. That experience inspired him to create a practice where dentistry could serve as a gateway to broader health insights.
A Practice Rooted in Continuity
Goodwin Dentistry and Medicine is the third chapter in a practice that has served the same Central Florida location since the 1970s. Many families have trusted the office for decades, and today the team cares for multiple generations – parents, children, and grandparents alike.
“That kind of continuity is special,” says Dr. Goodwin. “We’re now seeing grandchildren of longtime patients.”
Patients come for preventive care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic treatments, and implant solutions, but they often leave with a deeper understanding of how oral health connects to the rest of the body. The practice frequently collaborates with medical providers to address conditions such as facial pain, airway concerns, and sleep-related disorders.
“When patients learn I’m also a physician,” says Dr. Goodwin, “it opens the door to understanding how interconnected everything really is.”
That connection has led to life-changing outcomes for patients. Geneva resident Melinda Lamay has had negative experiences with dentists in the past, so finding Dr. Goodwin came as a relief.
“I really like his philosophy about seeing the big picture,” she says. “I mean, the teeth are connected to the body, and they are a big window for what goes on in the body.”
Getting Good Vibes
Melinda also likes the supportive environment in the office.
“The staff is always smiling and so helpful,” she says. “There are good vibes in there. I’m no longer afraid to go to the dentist.”
Behind the scenes, Dr. Thulasi Goodwin (Aaron’s wife) plays a vital role for Goodwin Dentistry and Medicine. A physician with a background in internal medicine, she focuses on community outreach, education initiatives, and administrative leadership for the practice.
Together, the doctors foster a workplace culture built on compassion, integrity, and excellence – values reflected in the loyalty of their staff.
Continuing education is also important to the Goodwins. The doctors dedicate hundreds of hours each year to staying current on emerging research and technology. That vigilance allows their team to identify conditions such as undiagnosed sleep apnea during routine dental visits and coordinate care with primary physicians – restoring not just smiles, but healthier lives.