Meet Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald
Patrick Fitzgerald, DMD, MS
Whether you have all your teeth, some teeth, or no teeth, Dr. Fitzgerald would love to help you have a happy, healthy, and functional mouth to SMILE about!
Specializing in the field of periodontics is exciting because it encompasses my passion of dental surgery, my respect for biology and the oral-systemic health connection, and my commitment to lifelong learning especially as new technologies and advancements in science impact future treatment options for patients.
- Dr. Fitzgerald
Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald is a proud Floridian and excited to return home to the emerald coast. It has been his dream to work and serve the community he grew up in. Moving to Florida as a young boy, his father was an Air Force pilot and stationed at Eglin AFB. The values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do were instilled in him growing up. Dr. Fitzgerald attended Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, where he was in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program and he became a state finalist wrestler and National Champion Cheerleader. He also explored the water ways and trails of Northwest Florida while obtaining his Eagle Scout award.
Dr. Fitzgerald is honored to be a triple gator having received all his degrees from the University of Florida. During his time at UF, Dr. Fitzgerald participated as a Varsity Cheerleader, studied Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology, and went on to Sydney, Australia to be a personal trainer. While in dental school, Dr. Fitzgerald was selected as a Dental Ambassador for the College of Dentistry. He held leadership positions as President of the Academy of General Dentistry Student Fellow track and Vice President of the American Student Dental Association. Dr. Fitzgerald received recognition awards from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for Dental Implants and the Academy of General Dentistry for his service as a dental student.
After dental school, Dr. Fitzgerald practiced for a short time in West Palm Beach, FL before having the opportunity to move to Virginia Beach, Virginia to gain advanced training through the Dawson Academy with his mentor and friend, Dr. John Cranham. While working in Virginia for almost four years, Dr. Fitzgerald obtained his Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologist and his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Through his continued education and obtaining the honor of becoming a Dawson Academy Scholar, Dr. Fitzgerald gained knowledge in smile makeovers, advanced occlusal therapy, implant surgery, treatment of TMD, and advanced dental surgery. These experiences encouraged him to specialize in periodontics and implant surgery. However, his most important achievement while in Virginia was meeting his wife, Elisabeth (Lizzy).
He again attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry for a three-year residency to obtain his certificate in Periodontics and Masters in Dental Science. While in residency, he received advanced training on the treatment of severe periodontal disease, periodontal plastic surgery, gum surgery, advanced implant surgery, IV Sedation, and complex bone grafting procedures. Dr. Fitzgerald is happy to bring the knowledge he has obtained back to Northwest Florida.
As a periodontist, Dr. Fitzgerald give his patients the opportunity to save teeth and improve their existing oral health, as well as, utilize advanced techniques and technologies to restore a patient’s mouth to optimal function. He regularly attends over 100 hours of continuing education courses, seminars, and meetings each year so he can provide the highest level of care to his patients. This further helps Dr. Fitzgerald fulfill his goal of lifelong learning and always striving to be the best version of himself, both professionally and personally. By staying up to date on the newest and best technology and techniques available, he is bringing the highest standard of care to his patients.
Education and Continuing Education
- University of Florida - Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Exercise Physiology- 2012
- University of Florida College of Dentistry- Doctor of Dental Medicine, D.M.D. Degree- 2016
- University of Florida College of Dentistry- Master of Dental Science, M.S.- 2023
- University of Florida College of Dentistry- Certificate in Periodontology- 2023
- Certificate of Standard Proficiency- Academy of Laser Dentistry- 2015
- Fellowship Award- International Congress of Oral Implantologist- 2018
- Scholar/Alumni Award- The Dawson Academy- 2019
- Fellowship Award- Academy of General Dentistry- 2019
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
In his free time, Dr. Fitzgerald enjoys staying physically fit with activities such as working out, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and biking. On the weekends you can find him and his wife, Lizzy, at local farmers markets, hanging out on 30A, relaxing on our beautiful white beaches, golfing, watching gator football games, or fishing the bays and bayous of the panhandle. Dr. Fitzgerald believes that anytime spent on or near the water is time well spent!
Mission Statement
Dr. Fitzgerald is passionate about dentistry and loves making people feel welcome and comfortable. He strives to provide the highest quality of comprehensive periodontal care to his patients using state-of-the-art technology and techniques. He does all of these things, all while creating a friendly, caring, and relaxed atmosphere for his patients. Dr. Fitzgerald does not like to pressure or “sell” his patients dental treatment. He believes that it is his job to inform and educate you about your dental needs so that you can make the best, informed decision for your overall health.