“Whether you have all your teeth, some teeth, or no teeth, my mission is to help you achieve a healthy, functional mouth that you can truly smile about.” – Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald
Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald is a proud native of Northwest Florida and honored to serve the community he grew up in. He moved to Florida at a young age when his father, a U.S. Air Force pilot, was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. From an early age, he was shaped by the Air Force values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, principles that continue to guide his personal and professional life.
Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, where he was a student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a state finalist wrestler, and a National Champion cheerleader. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout, enjoying the natural beauty of Northwest Florida’s waterways and trails.
Education and Advanced Training
Dr. Fitzgerald is a Triple Gator, having completed all his degrees at the University of Florida:
- B.S. in Exercise Physiology – 2012
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – 2016
- Master of Dental Science (MS) – 2023
- Certificate in Periodontology – 2023
As a dental student, he served as a Dental Ambassador for the UF College of Dentistry and held leadership positions including President of the AGD Student Fellow Track and Vice President of the American Student Dental Association. He also received recognition from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Academy of General Dentistry for his clinical excellence and service.
Professional Journey
After dental school, Dr. Fitzgerald practiced briefly in West Palm Beach, Florida, before relocating to Virginia Beach, Virginia. There, he advanced his clinical training through the prestigious Dawson Academy under the mentorship of Dr. John Cranham and earned several accolades:
- Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry
- Scholar/Alumni Award from the Dawson Academy
This advanced education provided in-depth training in implant dentistry, smile design, occlusal therapy, TMD treatment, and comprehensive full-mouth rehabilitation, which further fueled his decision to specialize in periodontics and implant surgery. His greatest achievement during this chapter of life was meeting his wife, Elisabeth (Lizzy).
Returning to the University of Florida for a three-year residency, Dr. Fitzgerald completed specialized training in:
- Treatment of severe periodontal disease
- Periodontal plastic and regenerative surgery
- Complex dental implant placement
- IV sedation
- Advanced bone grafting and sinus augmentation
In addition, Dr. Fitzgerald earned his Certificate in Standard Proficiency from the Academy of Laser Dentistry (2015). He is now thrilled to bring his knowledge and expertise back home to serve the Emerald Coast.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Fitzgerald is committed to patient-centered, comprehensive periodontal care. He believes in educating and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their oral health, never pressuring or “selling” treatment, but rather providing honest, compassionate guidance.
With a strong dedication to lifelong learning, Dr. Fitzgerald regularly attends continuing education courses, seminars, and professional meetings to stay at the forefront of the latest techniques and technologies in periodontics and implant dentistry.
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Periodontology
- Southern Academy of Periodontology
- Florida Association of Periodontists
- American Dental Association
- Florida Dental Association
- Northwest District Dental Association
Outside the Office
When he's not practicing dentistry, Dr. Fitzgerald enjoys an active lifestyle that includes working out, wakeboarding, hydrofoiling, paddleboarding, snowboarding, biking, and golfing. On weekends, you’ll often find him with Lizzy and their daughter, Hope, exploring local farmers markets, boating on the bays, relaxing on Florida’s white-sand beaches, or cheering on the Florida Gators.
Dr. Fitzgerald values faith, family, and Florida, and believes that any time spent outdoors or with loved ones is time well spent.