So, you’re looking for dr gary smith az. Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes on a search engine, you already know the problem. There isn't just one. Arizona seems to have a real thing for the name Gary Smith, and if you’re trying to book a physical or fix a tooth, landing on the wrong profile is a total waste of time.
Most people are actually looking for one of two guys: the family physician in Gilbert or the dentist in the same area. They share a name. They share a zip code (basically). But they definitely don't share a license.
Let’s break down who is who so you don’t end up at a dental office for your flu shot.
The Family Physician: Dr. Gary A. Smith, MD
If you need a primary care doctor, you’re likely looking for Gary A. Smith, MD. He’s a fixture in the East Valley. He’s been practicing for over 25 years, which is a lifetime in the medical world.
He didn't just fall into medicine. He started as a firefighter and paramedic for the Apache Junction Fire District. That’s a "boots on the ground" kind of background that most doctors just don't have. He graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in 1996 and finished his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
What he actually does
He runs Family Doctors of Arizona, LLC. It’s located on South Power Road in Gilbert. Think of him as the quarterback for your health. He handles:
- Chronic stuff like diabetes and hypertension.
- The "I feel like junk" visits—flu, infections, etc.
- Sports physicals and routine check-ups.
What’s interesting is his role in the community. He’s the Medical Director for several fire departments, including Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek. He literally wrote the book (well, a manual) on airway skills for paramedics in Arizona.
The vibe at the office
People generally like him because he’s personable. He’s a Mesa High grad (class of '80), so he’s a local through and through. However, fair warning: like many popular family docs, the wait times can be a bit of a slog. Reviews are a mixed bag when it comes to the front desk staff, but the man himself usually gets high marks for actually listening.
The Dentist: Dr. Gary Smith, DMD
Then there’s the other dr gary smith az. This one works on your teeth. He’s part of the team at Smile Crafters in Gilbert.
If you’re looking for a guy who knows the East Valley, he fits the bill too. He went to ASU and then moved over to the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. He’s got a certificate in public health, which usually means he’s focused on the "why" behind dental issues, not just drilling and filling.
👉 See also: Haldi Milk for Cough: Why Grandma Was Actually Right
Why he’s different
He’s a family man living in Queen Creek. Woodworking and art are his things outside the office. Patients often mention that he’s great with kids, which is a huge deal if your toddler thinks the dentist is a monster. He specializes in:
- General cleanings and prevention.
- Cosmetic stuff (whitening, etc.).
- Restorative work.
If you call a number and they ask when your last cleaning was, you’ve reached the DMD, not the MD.
Why Dr Gary Smith AZ is a Search Nightmare
The internet is bad at nuances. When you type in a name as common as Gary Smith, Google tries to help by mashing everyone together.
You might see a Gary Smith who was a Navy dentist in Tempe. You might see a Gary Smith who is an expert in data science at Pomona College (not in AZ, but he pops up). There’s even a Gary Smith who was a Chief Medical Officer for IASIS Healthcare.
It’s a mess.
How to verify you have the right one
Check the credentials.
- MD: Medical Doctor (Primary care, Gilbert/Mesa).
- DMD/DDS: Dentist (Gilbert/Queen Creek).
Also, look at the address. The MD is at 7400 S Power Rd. If the address is different, you’re likely looking at a different Gary. There are at least three other "Gary Smiths" in the medical/dental field within a 30-mile radius of Phoenix.
What Patients Usually Get Wrong
Most people think a doctor is just a doctor. But in Arizona, the "Gary Smith" you choose determines whether you’re getting a prescription for blood pressure meds or a new crown.
Wait times are the biggest complaint for the MD practice. It’s a busy office. If you’re in a rush, you might want to call ahead and see if they’re running behind. For the dentist, the main thing to check is your insurance. Dental and medical insurance are two completely different beasts, and they don't cross over just because the names are the same.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're ready to book with dr gary smith az, do these three things first:
- Confirm the Building: If you're going to the Power Road office, make sure you're in Building 5. There are a lot of suites there and it’s easy to get turned around.
- Verify the Specialty: Ask specifically, "Is this the family medicine office?" or "Is this the dental office?" It sounds silly, but it saves a lot of driving.
- Check the NPI: If you’re dealing with insurance, use NPI #1538126487 for the family physician (Dr. Gary A. Smith). This ensures the billing goes to the right place and you don't get a surprise "out of network" bill.
Selecting a provider is a big deal. Whether you're seeing him for a physical or a root canal, knowing exactly which dr gary smith az you're talking to is the first step toward actually getting healthy.