Dr. Claudia Garces Achieves Board Certification in Endodontics
Total Endo celebrates Dr. Claudia Garces, now a board-certified endodontist serving patients and referring dentists in South Orange, New Jersey.
Total Endo is proud to celebrate an important professional milestone. Dr. Claudia Garces is now a board-certified endodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
This achievement reflects advanced education, clinical experience, focused study, and dedication to endodontic care.
For patients, board certification provides added confidence when choosing a specialist for root canal treatment, endodontic retreatment, dental trauma, or a complex diagnosis.
For referring dentists, the credential supports a trusted partnership centered on clinical judgment, communication, and continuity of care.
A Professional Journey Shaped by Service
Dr. Garces began her journey in Colombia before moving to the United States at age 18. She later joined the U.S. Army and served for four years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Her military experience strengthened the discipline, responsibility, and focus she brings to patient care today. During her service, Dr. Garces also worked as a truck driver, reflecting the adaptability and determination seen throughout her career.
After completing her military service, Dr. Garces earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fayetteville State University.
Before starting dental school, she volunteered as a dental assistant through the Fort Bragg Red Cross. This experience deepened her interest in dentistry and introduced her to the impact thoughtful care has on patient comfort and confidence.
Dr. Garces later earned her dental degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. She completed a general practice residency at Hackensack before returning to Rutgers for advanced specialty training in endodontics.
Today, Dr. Garces provides specialized endodontic care at Total Endo in South Orange, New Jersey. Her clinical focus includes diagnosing dental pain, treating infection, performing root canal treatment, evaluating dental injuries, and helping patients preserve their natural teeth.
What Does Board Certification in Endodontics Mean?
Board certification is a voluntary professional achievement earned through the American Board of Endodontics.
The certification process evaluates advanced knowledge, clinical judgment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and case management.
Successful completion leads to recognition as a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
This credential reflects a continued commitment to high professional standards, ongoing education, and excellence in endodontic care.
Why Board Certification Matters to Patients
Many patients arrive at an endodontic office while experiencing pain, swelling, sensitivity, or uncertainty about whether a tooth is restorable.
Others feel nervous about root canal treatment because of past dental experiences.
Working with a board-certified endodontist offers added reassurance during a stressful time.
Patients benefit from a specialist with advanced knowledge in:
• Diagnosing the source of dental pain
• Evaluating complex root canal anatomy
• Treating infection inside a tooth
• Assessing previously treated teeth
• Managing dental trauma
• Developing treatment plans focused on preserving natural teeth
Dr. Garces combines specialty training with a calm, thoughtful approach.
She listens, reviews findings, answers questions, and explains treatment recommendations in clear language.
Her goal is to help each patient understand the diagnosis and feel prepared for the next step.
What Patients Say About Their Experience
Recent patient reviews reflect the same care, communication, and attention Dr. Garces brings to each visit.
★★★★★
“I had an amazing experience here at Total Endo. For a long time, I was afraid of the dentist because of a prior bad experience. Dr. Garces made me feel comfortable, and the root canal was honestly painless.”
The patient also recognized Somia and the front desk team for helping her feel comfortable throughout the visit.
★★★★★
“Dr. Garces explained my options and was attentive to my needs. Since I require more medication to numb my mouth, she made sure this important need was addressed.”
The patient also shared Dr. Garces completed the treatment without requiring replacement of the existing crown.
These experiences highlight important parts of Dr. Garces’s approach:
• Listening to each patient’s concerns
• Explaining treatment options before care begins
• Responding to individual comfort and anesthesia needs
• Preserving existing dental work when clinically appropriate
• Working with the full Total Endo team to create a supportive visit
Every patient’s condition and treatment experience is different. Dr. Garces approaches each case with the same focus on comfort, communication, and careful clinical planning.
A Trusted Partner for Referring Dentists
Strong endodontic care depends on communication between the endodontist, referring dentist, patient, and restorative team.
Dr. Garces values every referral entrusted to Total Endo. She works closely with general dentists and specialists to review findings, discuss treatment considerations, and support a smooth return to the referring office.
Board certification strengthens this partnership by reflecting advanced professional standards and continued dedication to endodontics.
Referring dentists rely on Dr. Garces for:
• Timely evaluation of dental pain and infection
• Thoughtful treatment recommendations
• Clear communication before and after treatment
• Detailed clinical documentation
• Respect for the referring dentist’s treatment plan
• A patient experience centered on comfort and understanding
Every referral represents an important professional relationship. Dr. Garces approaches each case with respect for the patient and the provider responsible for ongoing dental care.
Dr. Garces’s Philosophy of Care
Dr. Garces believes excellent treatment begins with careful listening.
Symptoms do not always follow a simple pattern. Dental pain sometimes comes from more than one source.
A thoughtful diagnosis requires clinical experience, attention to detail, and a willingness to look beyond the first explanation.
One of Dr. Garces’s favorite quotes is:
“Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”
This philosophy reflects her approach to endodontic diagnosis.
She reviews each patient’s symptoms, imaging, dental history, clinical findings, and concerns before recommending treatment.
Dr. Garces also understands the emotional side of endodontic care. Patients often arrive during an uncomfortable or stressful moment.
Her goal is to create a calm experience where patients feel heard, informed, and respected.
Celebrating Dr. Claudia Garces
Board certification marks an important achievement in Dr. Garces’s professional journey.
Her path includes military service, advanced dental education, specialty training, clinical experience, and a continued dedication to helping patients save their natural teeth.
Total Endo is proud to celebrate Dr. Claudia Garces as a board-certified endodontist.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Garces at Total Endo in South Orange.
Dental offices seeking an endodontic consultation or treatment for a patient are invited to submit a referral to our team.
Certificate honoring Dr. Claudia Garces’ AAE Board Certification
Serving Up Thanks and Sharing Knowledge: Referral Appreciation at its Finest!
Serving Up Thanks and Sharing Knowledge: Referral Appreciation at its Finest!
Although Thanksgiving is right around the corner, the Total Endo team got a jump on giving thanks by hosting our 2nd annual referral appreciation CE course in accordance with the ADA CERP on November 15th, from 6:00-8:00 PM.
The official CE course topic, “Endodontic Case Difficulty Assessment & Referral: Do the Root Canal Treatment or Refer to an Endodontist,” was presented by our charismatic speaker, the very in-demand endodontist and owner of Total Endo, Dr. Janatha “Jonny” Withanachchi.
The purpose of the CE course was to help attendees gain the ability to identify and classify endodontic cases using the AAE Case Difficulty Assessment Form, and recognize which procedures should be within the capabilities of the generalist in order to make the appropriate referral when required.
In order to effectively make these assessments, Dr. Jonny presented the risk ratings, 1-3; 1 representing average or uncomplicated cases, 2 indicating high or complicated and 3 signaling an extreme risk. By relying on this rating system, along with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification System, and individual patient considerations, practitioners can determine when to refer, rather than treat.
As Dr. Jonny says, “I believe in creating a pain-free experience, not just during treatment but throughout your entire journey. Let’s keep your smile shining!”
Learn more about Dr. Jonny’s background and expertise by clicking here to read his bio.
Hosted at Morton’s Steakhouse Hackensack location, our 16 attendees enjoyed a first-class three-course meal, beer and wine, and the chance to participate in our raffle.
We’re delighted to report that the event was a huge hit, thanks to our enthusiastic attendees.
Dr. Jonny was joined by Total Endo’s other two esteemed endodontists, Dr. Claudia Garces and Dr. Gyu Park, who answered questions and presented referral appreciation gifts.
Somehow the evening flew by, leaving us excited to plan our next referral appreciation event, especially in light of feedback from our attendees, like this:
“This is the second time I’ve gone to a CE event hosted by the Total Endo team and they, once again, outdid themselves. It’s refreshing to register for CE opportunities that are actually fun to attend, and I always learn something from these amazing endodontists.”
We’re blushing!
For endodontic expertise that is convenient to you, we invite you to visit either of our two locations in Englewood or South Orange.
Either way, you can’t go wrong, as you can see by this review, which also speaks to the importance of knowing when to refer your patient to an endodontist…
“First, I had a bad practice at a different dentist. I went to a new one and she told me I had to find an endodontist to do a root canal. I found Total Endo which has excellent reviews…I am more than happy, I went yesterday to have the treatment done and surprisingly I didn't even notice when Dr. Jonny gave me anesthesia. I don't even feel like I had a root canal. Such a great experience and all the staff were very friendly.”
Ready to refer your patients to our Total Endo team?
Visit this page to refer patients electronically. We look forward to exceeding their expectations and we pride ourselves on being the ideal referral partner for your practice.
Total Endo Open House: We are so Total-ly Thankful!
When our Total Endo team put out the word about our June 8th open house, “Stop and Smell the Rosé with Dr. Gyu Park,” we never anticipated such a warm embrace by the Englewood community.
When our Total Endo team put out the word about our June 8th open house, “Stop and Smell the Rosé with Dr. Gyu Park,” we never anticipated such a warm embrace by the Englewood community.
Our Favorite Open House Footage
New to this area, we had no idea how welcoming and generous our Englewood neighbors would prove to be, which makes us even happier that we have chosen this fantastic location for our endodontic practice.
Like proud parents with a wallet full of photos (okay, we’re dating ourselves), check out our favorite footage from the open house, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Englewood’s Chamber of Commerce and Englewood’s Mayor, Michael Wildes, Esq. #ProudMoment
Meet Englewood’s New Endodontist, Dr. Gyu Park
For those who weren’t able to attend, here is a little information about Dr. Park.
Dr. Gyu Park is Englewood’s newest board-certified endodontist and is at the helm of Total Endo’s new office, conveniently located at 300 Grand Avenue, Suite 204, right here in Englewood.
Check Out Dr. Park’s Impressive Bio!
Dr. Gyu Park developed a special interest in Endodontics while working as a general practitioner. It was extremely satisfying for him to treat patients with teeth-related diseases and cure their symptoms without having to extract the problematic teeth.
Dr. Park completed the Endodontics Residency program at New York University and became a Board-certified Endodontist as a result of following his passion (Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics).
On a daily basis, Dr. Park sees pediatric, adult, geriatric, emergency, and medically compromised patients. His clinical experience includes root canal treatment, retreatment, apicoectomy, incision and drainage, root resection, hemisection, dental trauma management, autotransplantation, and intentional tooth replantation.
Schedule your consultation, root canal, retreatment or 3D CBCT scan today.
Give us a call at 201-308-6911. We look forward to meeting you!