Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen
Meet The Team
DR. Amelia M. Ellingson DMD
Owner / Dentist
Welcome to Swiss Biologic Dentistry! If you’re new here, I look forward to getting to know you; and, I’m sure you want to get to know me better too. And if you’re a regular, you can also get to know me better! I grew up in Tucson, where I ended up attending the University of Arizona (Bear down!). After college, I received my doctorate in dentistry in 2011 from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution and top 10 dental school in the world (go Quakers!). A decade in dentistry; where did the time go!
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While I was taught traditional dentistry from some of the best in the country, I felt something was missing from the bigger picture of oral health. And thankfully six years ago, I was offered the associate job at Integrative Dental Associates, one of Phoenix’s best biological dental practices. It was here that the final pieces fell into place and the light bulb went off: True oral health requires looking at the body as a whole!
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To more thoroughly understand whole body dental health, I am constantly expanding my knowledge and skill-set through continuing education courses and clinics. I’ve worked at the SDS clinics in Switzerland and Costa Rica, and other top clinics in Mexico, New Orleans, Miami, Chicago, to name just a few. I will go anywhere in the world that helps me help you because the learning journey never ends!
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When I can get away from the office, I like to travel to places afar. I’ve been lucky enough to travel from the Galapagos Islands to the Arctic Circle, and even to my family’s ancestral hometown of Neuchatel, Switzerland. In my free time at home, I enjoy hiking, yoga, oil painting, and taking care of my sons Raphael, Roland, and my two dogs.
DR. Alexis Yip DMD
Associate Dentist
Hi there, I'm Dr. Yip (like yippee 😃). It's nice to meetcha!
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I'm blessed to say I've been with the Swiss Biologic Dentistry team for over 3.5 years now.
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of San Francisco. After earning my biology degree at New York University, I completed my DMD at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, then finished an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at AT Still University/Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. That program gave me the confidence to handle everything from all-ceramic restorations and atraumatic extractions to bone grafts, implants, and cosmetic dentistry, using the latest technology (CBCT, digital scanners, PRF, and lasers) to make sure you get the highest level of care.
Since joining Swiss Biologic, I've received accreditation from the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), become a proud member of the IAOCI (International Academy of Ceramic Implantology), and earned certification in the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. I've also completed all of my continuing education requirements toward my Fellowship with the AGD (Academy of General Dentistry) and am on track to sit for the exam and receive my FAGD in 2027. My colleagues would tell you I'm a CE junkie. I'm always learning, because I'm genuinely a nerd for dentistry, wellness, and innovation.
As a provider, I take great pride in making you feel comfortable and heard. Effective communication and active listening build the trust that good care depends on. Education is empowerment, and I want my patients to be active participants in their treatment plans so they can choose what's right for them. Practicing holistic dentistry aligns with my own values around nutrition, fitness, and spirituality. Growing up Chinese, I was always taught that food is medicine and nature is powerful. I believe in balancing that philosophy with scientific innovation and regenerative medicine.
When I'm not doing dental things, you'll find me doing yoga or Pilates, sipping a matcha latte, or exploring new corners of the world for the food, culture, and history. I'm an avid reader and fashion enthusiast, and I love a good Netflix night with my fiancé and cat, Esmie.
I can't wait to help you achieve your best possible holistic health.
taylor RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi, my name is Taylor! I am born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I have always thought teeth were “cool” but it wasn’t until I had my braces removed that I started to realize how cool they were and why oral health is so important. Oral health is tied to systemic health and I love that I get to help make a difference in a way that’s under estimated by the general public. I have been practicing dentistry for just shy of ten years and I am constantly learning new things. I genuinely love what I do and how it can help people – physically, mentally and emotionally. When I am not working, you’ll find me in high altitudes with my dog, Piper. We love to be outside and our passion is exploring new hiking or kayaking trails any opportunity we get!
Gina RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi I’m Gina, I’m the newest member of our dental hygiene team, and I bring 14 years of experience in helping patients achieve healthy and confident smiles. Before becoming a hygienist, I worked as a dental assistant, I think this has given me a well-rounded understanding of patient care from many angles. I love staying up to date on the latest innovations in holistic and preventive dental care and I’m always eager to expand my knowledge—whether through Continuing Education classes or from insightful conversations with my patients. I believe wellness is a team effort and the best results come from when we learn and grow together.
Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and dog. I am a self proclaimed wellness enthusiast. I, also, enjoy exploring hiking trails, practicing yoga and meditation, rebounding, and testing out new skincare and wellness trends. I’m extremely thrilled to be part of such a dynamic team at Swiss Biologic and I’m passionate about helping every patient feel their best—inside and out.
TA-DA!!!!
Fabi RDA
Lead Registered Dental Assistant
Hi, my name is Fabi. I have been a dental assistant for 10 years. I am proud to be a part of Swiss Biologic Dentistry since I believe we have the best approach in treating our patients. I have lived here in Phoenix since my early childhood, after my family relocated from Los Angeles. I love being a mom to my son Jonathan. I love exploring our beautiful State with my family; camping is our favorite!
Heather RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Hi, I’m Heather! I’ve been a dental assistant since 2015, and I truly enjoy helping patients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their dental experience.
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Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in general, cosmetic, periodontal, and oral surgery dentistry, which has given me a wide range of clinical experience. I’m detail-oriented and take pride in being dependable, efficient, and supportive of both my patients and dental team.
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What I enjoy most about dentistry is connecting with patients and helping make their visits as comfortable and positive as possible. I’m happy to be part of a team that is dedicated to providing excellent care!
Suzy RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Hi! My name is Suzy, and I have been a dental assistant for over 4 years. I am pleased to be welcomed to the Swiss Family! I love to spend my free time enjoying nature with my two dogs and by pet rabbit, Chubby Bunny! I'm eager to get to know you and help you with your oral health journey!
Mike
Treatment Plan Coordinator
I was born and raised in central Phoenix and attended Saint Simon and Jude grade school and Saint Mary's HS. I joined the US Coast Guard at age 19 and spent 2-1/2 years on the icebreaker Polar Sea. I have sailed the seven seas and have visited 6 continents. Several years ago I started a business as a general contractor here in the valley and gave it up to come work at Integrative Dental Associates, now Swiss Biologic Dentistry. I am very pleased with my decision as I continue to learn more and more about holistic / biologic healing. I am fortunate to meet, and learn valuable information on nutrition and healing from, our diverse patient base as well as the many Valley practitioners whom we have the pleasure of serving in our office. I truly enjoy helping our patients and seeing the outstanding results of biologic dentistry everyday. My wife and I have been married since 2002, and have plans to celebrate our next anniversary in Paris. On weekends you will find me on the golf course, and then tinkering on my old house or out in the yard with Sally. Also, I drink a lot of tea and my tea is oh so wise. So, check out my tea bag tags of wisdom!
brandi
Communications Coordinator
I moved to Arizona from Boise, Idaho over 10 years ago where I worked as a dental assistant for over 15 years. After visiting Phoenix for a weekend one cold winter, I decided to move here. I fell in love with the sun and palm trees. I am so lucky to have landed here at Swiss Biologic Dentistry and I have learned so much about biological and holistic dental world. Being the front desk communications coordinator gives me the pleasure of being the first to greet you as you check in for your appointment. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my good boy Bentley, a buff cocker spaniel. I also love to travel and hope to get back to Barcelona soon as that has been my favorite place to visit, so far!
chris
Office Manager
I have been in Management for 35 years and happened to take a job in the dental field and never looked back. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Amelia years ago and when the opportunity presented itself to work with her again, I jumped at it. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such professional, dedicated and caring individuals. When not at work, I enjoy time with my partner Sue and our four dogs (Harper Sky, Willie Harlo, Oliver Bean and Poppy Sue).
matthew
Chief Financial Officer / Chief Executive Officer
​I was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, raised in Kansas, went to college in Chicago, and finally moved to Arizona for law school and as well as a Masters in real estate development. I was a lawyer for a long time; too long. To maintain my sanity, I started buying and selling antique furniture and goods. My hobby became a bit more than that and I now have a warehouse full of crazy stuff. While that can be fun, about five years ago, Dr. Amelia and I started thinking about her plans for her own office and with the Butlers selling Integrative Dental to her, I have had the pleasure of helping Dr. Amelia run her practice for the past 4+ years! It has been a pretty wild ride and I think we have all learned a lot in the process. But, with time comes change, and the time to grow is at hand. For the past year and a half, we have been refurbishing an old grocery store into our new office. I have taken what I learned in my Master’s program with my experience in selling high end antiques to hopefully bring to the Valley the best dental office in town. It will be an office unlike any other you have ever seen and we hope you appreciate the effort we have gone to make your dental experience as positive as possible because that’s ultimately the point. In my free time, I like to play with my two you boys Roland and Raphael. And as a near part-time job, I take my oldest to his hockey practices and games three days (at minimum) a week for 9 months out of the year - but, it's fun to watch him grow in skill in confidence!
sally
Vice President Therapy Dog
Starting out in the therapy dog business was a difficult choice for me. I had a pretty good life of chasing balls, chasing the same balls again, and taking lots of naps. But, while that life would be rewarding for most dogs, I needed more. I asked Mike, my supervisor, if it would be possible to accompany him to work. He reluctantly agreed to give me a chance. It worked out pretty well. I did have a pretty big barking snafu when someone tried to type in the alarm code, and it still gets me from time to time, but I've learned to center myself and focus on maximizing the patient experience. I feel like it has really worked out since I know all about anxiety. I have learned to deal with my alarm panel anxieties and I have been passing it along to everyone for the past four years. If you see me, feel free to pet me, I've been told I'm a 'good girl', so I've got that going for me! I don't bite, but I may give you a small lick (or a lot of licks). That means I like you!
Humphry!
West Courtyard Burrow Manager
West Courtyard Burrow Management is a dream job for a middle-aged tortoise like myself. While I am a desert tortoise, I don't care for the middle of the summer much myself. I mainly spend my time inspecting the inside of my burrow, waiting for the lettuce man to show up. I don't know where he gets the lettuce from, and I don't know when he's going to bring it to me, but I'm ready to pounce once it's there. You have to keep your guard up because if you miss the lettuce in the summer, it will get all wilty and no self respecting tortoise wants to eat wilted lettuce. Back to my job, I can make it to the top of my burrow from time to time to make sure it is solid and can support a heavy tortoise frame like myself.
While making regular burrow inspections, I believe I may have spotted another tortoise over there, but I'm still trying to confirm that. My eyesight is not the greatest, so that slowly moving blob in the eastern courtyard may or may not be that mystery tortoise. But, I can't make any assumptions, so I'll keep trying to confirm my suspicions. But seriously, why would Swiss Biologic need to hire two tortoises? It doesn't make any sense! Right? When off-duty, you can find me sleeping in my burrow, eating lettuce and hay, rubbing my belly on rocks, or just generally trying to escape. If you are in one of the operatories and you see me, just wave. I can't wave back, but I would if I could. I do enjoy neck rubs and romaine lettuce. Feel free to keep any kale for yourself; it's just not my cup of tea. .
Blue
Vice President of Tortoise Outreach
My outgoing personality has seen my career rise to the vice president of tortoise outreach. Tortoise outreach is a complicated two-part job. The main thrust of my work is interacting with people who come and visit the eastern courtyard. I reserve my energy in my burrow till it's time to come out, so don't mistake my calculated energy conservation as laziness! Moving around for someone like me is not easy, so I must conserve until it's my time to shine. While interacting with people, I will mentally be bombarded with thoughts of eating lettuce and carrots, but I can push those intrusive thoughts to the side and still be friendly. I really do like people. Especially ones who bring lettuce and carrots. Man, I love lettuce and carrots. (*stop thinking about lettuce, stop thinking about lettuce, stop thinking about lettuce) The other, and more complicated part of my work relates to tortoise to tortoise outreach. I think there might be another tortoise in the western courtyard, but my eyesight isn't the greatest, so that slowly moving blob that props up on that little hill could be a tortoise, but I'm not sure. If it is another tortoise, why won't he come by and say hi? I've heard we're territorial, but I believe there is more to us than meets the eye. I believe through sheer tortoise will-power, we can beat back millions of years of genetic impulses and create a new era of shared space tortoise empowerment. Or maybe not, I don't know. I'll be in my burrow. Come say hi, unless it's cold, then I'm not coming out because I'm hibernating. Man, I could go for some lettuce and carrots. Like right now.
