About Andrew S. Firtel, DDS
Dr. Andrew Firtel has been a dentist in San Diego since 1996. He grew up in La Jolla, CA and got his undergraduate degree in Biology from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. He then went on and did his dental training at The University of Southern California, graduating in 1996. Dr. Firtel has taken post graduate classes in implants, laser gum surgery, esthetics, TMJ at the Dawson Center in Florida, and Invisalign, thereby increasing his dental knowledge and expertise. In 2004, Dr. Firtel completed a postgraduate course in the use of a Nd:Yag dental laser at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. Upon completion of his laser training, Dr. Firtel became one of only a select few in San Diego trained to perform a FDA approved innovative gum surgery using this specialized dental soft tissue laser. Since completing the course, he has performed numerous laser surgeries with wonderful results and a high level of satisfaction for the patient. In addition to attending continuing education seminars, Dr. Firtel is an active member in the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Association. He frequently attends both their educational and personal growth seminars. Dr. Firtel also enjoys teaching children about age appropriate dental topics. Routinely, he will be asked by preschools and kindergarten classes to speak to their students about the importance of healthy food choices and proper dental hygiene. This has proven to be rewarding and entertaining, both to him and the children in the class. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family in Idaho fly-fishing and camping, cycling, reading, participating in the Challenged Athletes Foundation triathlon, and going for walks with his golden retriever Drifter. However, his true love and passion is spending his free time with his wife and daughter Jadyn. His favorite restaurant and movie are El Pescador and Shawshank Redemption. “The Snowfly”, by Joseph Haywood, is his favorite book. One item on his “Bucket List” is to drive to Alaska on the Alaskan Highway.
