Xavier J. Gutierrez , DDS
Dr. Xavier J. Gutierrez obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Relations from Bethany Bible College in Scotts Valley, CA. He then received his doctorate from Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, IL. He completed a two-year General Practice Residency at University Medical Center (UMC) and VA Hospital in-Fresno, CA, serving as Chief Resident during his second year. Following his residency, he was selected to serve as faculty from 2002-2005 at UMC and as an adjunct faculty member at UOP Dental School.
Dr. Gutierrez opened his private general practice in 2002. Having been exposed to a variety of dental trauma while working at UMC, Dr. Gutierrez developed a passion for the handling of these challenging cases, more specifically cancer dental rehabilitation and athletic trauma. In 2004, Dr. Gutierrez was selected to serve as the team dentist for the Fresno State University Athletic Department. In 2013, he began serving as team dentist for the Fresno Pacific University Athletic Department, and Clovis High School athletics in 2014. Since 2006 Dr. Gutierrez has received continual training and education through the internationally acclaimed Academy of Sports Dentistry. In 2017 he was awarded the distinction of Fellow of the Academy of Sports Dentistry and has lectured to dentists, athletic trainers, dental residents, the Central Valley Nurses Association, and the community on the subject of sports dentistry and managing dental trauma. He is currently serving on the Board of Director’s for the Academy of Sports Dentistry.
Dr. Gutierrez is past President of the Fresno-Madera Dental Society. Since 2007 he has also served as lead dentist for TeamSmile-Fresno State, personally overseeing fundraising, promoting, and staffing the non-profit organization’s event that provides free dental care to the children of Fresno County. In 2019 he was nominated and awarded the Health and Human Services Hero Award by the College of Health and Human Services at Fresno State University. The award recognizes those who make a difference in the fields of health and human services through their work, service and advocacy on behalf of children and families in the Central Valley. His volunteer services also extend beyond the borders where he has led family teams on mission’s trips to Mexico since 2008, providing free dental and medical care to the children and staff at an orphanage.
Dr. Gutierrez grew up in the Reedley and San Francisco Bay areas, but he and his wife Joely chose Fresno as the area where they would establish their roots for its sense of community and family values. Together they are raising 4 children that are active in academics and athletics as well as youth/young adult groups at church. They have found the key to maintaining balance is to participate in activities together. When it comes to TeamSmile events or working at the orphanage in Mexico, they all serve together in some capacity. Likewise, when it comes to youth group, you will find Dr. Gutierrez serving as a high school volunteer leader at New Covenant Community Church in Fresno, where he doesn’t shy away from displaying his athletic skills in a game of basketball or mud football.
Dr. Gutierrez continues to find the field of dentistry stimulating and rewarding. Stimulating in the fact that new advancements in research and technology as well as materials is making dental rehabilitation both artistically appealing and functionally superior. Rewarding in the sense that as a dental provider, you have an opportunity to make a dental visit comfortable and educational and set even the most apprehensive patient on a path to optimal dental health.