Dr. Claudia Garces Achieves Board Certification in Endodontics
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