Meet Sedona Dentist, Dr. Tom Fernandes

Dr. Tom Fernandes, known in the practice as “Dr. Tom,” joined Sedona Dental Arts in July of 2011 after graduating from the prestigious University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. “UOP,” as it is known colloquially, is one of the most highly regarded dental schools in the US. Every year, over 3000 students apply for 140 spots.

At Pacific, he was known for his humor, singing as he walked the halls, and for an interest in oral surgery.

Dr. Tom had the best of both worlds while at dental school: a top-notch formal education, as well as mentoring from both Dr. Tamara (his wife) and Dr. Bill (his father-in-law). They would counsel him on real-world applications of dental techniques he was learning on a basic level at school. The three doctors still often seek each other’s advice and counsel at the practice today.

Dr. Tom was a 2004 graduate of Corona del Sol high school in Tempe, Arizona, where he was active in the student council, the French club, the choir, the swim team, and the pole vaulting squad. He was a regional level swimmer, and earned a place in the top choir at the school. As a senior, he won the “Joe Selleh Spirit of Swimming” award.

He was a 2008 cum laude graduate from the University of Arizona, where he earned a BS in Physiology with a minor in Political Science. At U of A, he was invited to join the senior honor society Mortar Board. He also sang in an audition-only Vocal Jazz Choir, and was once again a member of the top undergraduate choir the school had to offer (Symphonic Choir). It was in this choir that he met Dr. Tamara.

Dr. Tom’s interests in the field of dentistry include oral surgery, implant placement, and how dentistry relates to systemic health. Outside of the practice, he is an avid basketball player and fan (Go Suns!), is passionate about physical fitness, is an active guitar player and singer, and enjoys travel.