Dr. Andrew Fish, co-founder of the FM Dental & Implant Centre in Jersey, is making significant strides in ethical dental practices. His career, which has garnered international recognition, is deeply influenced by personal experiences, particularly his mother’s health challenges. Fish recently spoke at an event in Singapore, underscoring his commitment to advancing dental care standards.
Transforming Perceptions of Dentistry
Despite the longstanding stigma surrounding dentistry, with many people expressing a dislike for dental visits, Fish aims to change this narrative. “It’s a shame dentistry sometimes carries a poor reputation,” he remarked, attributing this perception to childhood fears and negative stories. The ethos at FM Dental is built on honesty, ethics, and high clinical standards, and Fish is dedicated to fostering a positive environment for patients.
With a special focus on oral surgery and implant dentistry, Fish holds a GDC-recognised Dentist With a Special Interest in Oral Surgery. His expertise has led him to lecture across various regions, including Europe and southeast Asia. Fish’s journey into dentistry began with a personal story: his mother lost half her lower jaw to osteomyelitis, and her recovery sparked his interest in the field. “A professor in Glasgow rebuilt it with titanium, and seeing how that completely changed her life set me on this career path,” he explained.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
Fish’s academic journey took him from a council estate in Manchester to the University of Glasgow, where he graduated before undergoing extensive training at the Edinburgh Dental Institute. His clinical experience includes working with oral and maxillofacial surgery teams in Scotland and Greater Manchester, providing hospital-level oral surgery and IV sedation in primary care. He later solidified his expertise with a Postgraduate Certificate in Implantology from Salford University.
Relocating to Jersey nine years ago, Fish responded to increasing demand for oral surgery and implant referrals. “I place a lot of implants, and every one is guided by responsibility, predictability, and long-term outcomes,” he stated. A cornerstone of his clinical philosophy is “evidence-based stewardship from material choice to medication.”
Notably, Fish has not routinely prescribed antibiotics for implant surgery in over eight years. “With the right protocols, the right materials, particularly fully synthetic grafting materials, and the right surgical setup, you simply don’t need them,” he said. This approach not only protects patients but also addresses the broader issue of antibiotic overprescription in healthcare.
Fish emphasizes the use of synthetic grafts, which allow for true bone regeneration without the ethical concerns associated with animal or cadaver grafts. His presentations on these protocols at international conferences reflect his commitment to advancing surgical practices.
Innovative Techniques and Patient-Centered Care
When discussing imaging techniques, Fish takes a balanced approach. He acknowledges the value of CBCT scans but emphasizes that they should be used judiciously. “CBCT scans are fantastic tools when they’re genuinely indicated,” he noted, highlighting that he prefers to rely on his surgical experience whenever possible. This method reduces the overall radiation exposure for patients.
Addressing the trend of patients seeking lower-cost dental care abroad, Fish recognizes the financial pressures many face. “Some people genuinely need more affordable options,” he said. He is among the few dentists in Jersey who openly acknowledge this reality. Fish also reassures patients who experience complications after seeking treatment abroad that FM Dental offers interim support without directly involving themselves in ongoing treatments.
He points out that when travel, time off work, and potential repair costs are factored in, the price difference may not be as significant as perceived. “Many people find we’re not that different in price, and in fact, sometimes we are even less,” he explained, adding that Jersey often offers more competitive rates compared to the UK.
Despite his international acclaim, Fish expresses a desire for greater local recognition. “My work is recognised widely overseas because of my lecturing, but less so here at home,” he said with a smile. He is passionate about informing the community that advanced, ethical, and affordable dental care is accessible right in Jersey, removing the need for patients to travel abroad.
As he continues to develop his practice, Dr. Andrew Fish remains dedicated to transforming the field of dentistry, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care while promoting ethical practices within the profession.
