Appointment RequestSalt Lake City, UT Periodontist
Get to Know Dr. Al Long
Originally from Holladay, UT, Dr. Al Long has been part of the world of dentistry for close to a decade, and he always looks for ways to improve his skills and expertise. The best part of his job is being able to build relationships with both patients and team members, as one of his main goals is to have a positive impact on the lives of others. Keep reading to learn more about his background and education before visiting our office.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Periodontist?
Dr. Long first decided he wanted to become a periodontist after he was hired as a surgical assistant for a periodontics office. He ended up working there for five years and fell in love with the field. The team members he worked alongside became like family, and he developed long-term relationships with many of his patients. He appreciated the impactful service they were providing and knew that he wanted to have a career as a dental care provider.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Long attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate degree before studying at Virginia Commonwealth University for his dental doctorate. He then served eight years as a dental provider for the United States Navy. Following dental school, he completed a 1-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program in Oceanside, CA, at the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and then worked there an additional year as a general dentist. Later, he completed a periodontics residency training in Bethesda, MD, at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School. Afterwards, he was assigned back to Oceanside, where he worked as a periodontist for three years. Today, he is a board-certified periodontal and implant surgeon with the American Board of Periodontology.
Over the years, Dr. Long has undergone extensive continuing education to remain updated on the latest advancements in the field. He is also an active member of several professional organizations, such as the:
- American Dental Association
- Utah Dental Association
- American Academy of Periodontology
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
If you don’t find him at the office, Dr. Long is spending time with his beautiful wife and their four wonderful children. Together, they enjoy being outdoors, traveling, and having Friday pizza and movie nights. Whenever he’s free, his hobbies include hiking, playing golf, practicing photography, and hanging out with his loved ones. One fun fact about him is that he’s been to the North Pole!