Dr. Javier E. Gonzalez (UAB Perio 2002) is a board-certified periodontist practicing in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and after graduating top of his class in dental school, emigrated to the US to pursue a certificate in periodontology and a Master of Science degree at the UAB School of Dentistry.
Dr. Javier E. Gonzalez (UAB Perio 2002) is a board-certified periodontist practicing in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and after graduating top of his class in dental school, emigrated to the US to pursue a certificate in periodontology and a Master of Science degree at the UAB School of Dentistry. During his time in training at UAB, he received various awards, including UAB Graduate Fellowship, the Billy M. Pennel Award research award from the Southern Academy of Periodontology, Abram and Sylvia Chasens Teaching and Research Fellowship, and was an AAP Balint Orban Competition finalist. Upon completion of his residency at UAB, Dr. Gonzalez joined the UAB faculty as an Assistant Professor before moving to Florida and joining Periodontal Associates in 2003. Dr. Gonzalez currently holds a position as a visiting Assistant Professor at UAB School of Dentistry in the Department of Periodontology and he currently works with several other periodontists in his practice, including Drs. Pragya Sharma (UAB Perio 2017) and Dr. Hugo Zegarra Baquerizo (UAB Perio 2024). Dr. Gonzalez is married to his wife Jessica and together they have three sons, Juan Pablo, Andres, and Juan Diego. We asked Dr. Gonzalez some questions about his career journey and the role that UAB played and continues to play in his professional growth.
What was your path into periodontology and to UAB?
With its focus on preventing and treating pathologies affecting the periodontium, I saw periodontology as the foundation of dentistry and a key field for research to promote overall dental health. At the same time, I was drawn to the complexity and detail-oriented nature of periodontal surgery. In UAB, I found a program that combined a strong focus on cutting-edge research with robust clinical training. Indeed, UAB has always been one of the nation's top programs--it is constantly spearheading research, delivering a very strong literature review program, while also providing exceptional clinical experience. Warren Buffet advised in investing, we should think of ourselves as having a "punch card," with a limited set of key decision points. The decisions we make at each of these points will have outsized impacts on our investment performance. I find that Mr. Buffet's advice extends beyond the world of investing--who will I marry? Where will I study? Will I specialize? The combination of such key "punches" will largely dictate our lives' trajectories. With this mindset, we should carefully discern what our "punches" will be. Looking back on 20 plus years of practice, 30 plus years of marriage, 3 kids, and (as of now) 5 grandkids, I believe choosing to attend UAB was definitely one of those "punches" that has allowed me to live my best life.
What surprised you about your career in periodontology after UAB?
I was grateful to find out how much better prepared I was than many of my peers, which I attribute to the education I received at UAB. For example, the IV sedation exposure we received during our residency far exceeded what others had. I have also been surprised, especially when compared to other dental and non-dental fields, at how well my career has allowed me to provide for my family while preserving a strong life/work balance.
What advice would you give someone entering a career in periodontology now?
Expand your knowledge beyond the clinical side. During your residency, you will master the knowledge and skillset you need to succeed as a clinician. But a career in periodontology (and dentistry more broadly), will demand more of you than what you will be taught in school. This is especially true as it relates to the business side of dentistry, which will throw you into a world of managing referral relations, overseeing employees, and even directing real estate investments. I was blessed to have unbelievable mentors, both during my training at UAB and afterwards, including Dr. Lewis Hanan (UAB Perio 1967) to guide my growth and decision-making in these areas.
How do you give back to your profession and to UAB and why do you think that is important?
I try to share my time and experience in several ways, focusing on cultivating a better profession for both newcomers and patients. For example, I served on the Sarasota County Dental Association Board for 4 years, completing my tenure as President. As a board member, I was able to bring multiple keynote speakers to Sarasota, most of them addressing periodontal-restorative topics. I have also made a point of participating in and organizing mission work both locally and abroad, which I have found extremely rewarding. In parallel, I also try to get myself back to UAB on a yearly basis, where I like to spend time with residents and share some of the knowledge I have acquired in private practice. Alongside this commitment to UAB, I am helping to support the Michael Reddy - Nico Geurs Endowed Support Fund for Periodontology, as I strongly believe in supporting our faculty and our Department who have been, and will continue to be the core of our profession and who will shape the next generation of periodontal leaders at UAB.