Dr. Sarah Chen, DDS, FAGD
Cosmetic and implant dentist with over 15 years of experience, more than 3,000 implants placed, and a commitment to transforming smiles across the Phoenix metro area.
Locations: Scottsdale (primary) · Tempe (Wednesdays)
Languages: English, Mandarin
Meet Dr. Chen
Education & Training
Dr. Chen's path to dentistry began with rigorous training at one of the country's top dental schools, followed by an advanced fellowship that few general dentists pursue.
She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 2009, where she graduated with honors. Recognizing her passion for complex restorative work, she went on to complete an Advanced Prosthodontics Fellowship at NYU Langone Health in 2011 — training that gave her the skills to handle everything from single-tooth implants to full mouth reconstructions with precision and artistry.
Dr. Chen is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction earned through over 500 hours of continuing education and a rigorous examination. She completes well over 100 hours of continuing education annually, staying at the forefront of implant techniques, digital dentistry, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Professional Memberships
Dr. Chen maintains active memberships in the leading dental organizations, ensuring she stays connected to the latest research, techniques, and standards of care:
Specializations & Services
Dr. Chen is the go-to provider for Summit Ridge Dental's most complex and high-value treatments. Her NYU prosthodontics fellowship and more than 3,000 successful implant placements make her one of the most experienced implant dentists in the East Valley.
She personally performs the following services:
For patients considering dental implants or a full smile transformation, Dr. Chen combines Sirona CBCT 3D imaging with computer-guided surgical planning to achieve predictable, beautiful results with less downtime than traditional approaches.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Chen believes that exceptional dentistry begins with listening. Before recommending any treatment, she takes time to understand each patient's concerns, goals, and comfort level. Her approach is rooted in transparency — she explains every option, walks patients through what to expect, and never pressures anyone into a procedure they don't fully understand.
"I became a dentist because I saw how a confident smile changes a person's entire life," Dr. Chen says. "Whether someone needs a single filling or a full mouth reconstruction, they deserve the same respect, the same attention to detail, and the same commitment to a result that lasts."
Beyond the Office
Born and raised in Tucson, Dr. Chen has called the Phoenix area home for over a decade. When she's not in the office, you'll likely find her on the trails — she's a regular on Camelback Mountain and has completed several desert triathlons.
Giving back is central to who she is. Dr. Chen volunteers annually with Give Kids A Smile, providing free dental care to children in underserved communities. She's also an annual sponsor of the Scottsdale Half Marathon, cheering on runners at the finish line with the Summit Ridge team.
Dr. Chen speaks fluent Mandarin and English, and takes special pride in serving the Chinese-American community in Scottsdale and across the Valley.
What Patients Say About Dr. Chen
"Dr. Chen placed two implants for me and the experience was nothing like what I feared. She explained every step, the procedure was painless, and my new teeth look completely natural. I smile with confidence again."
Robert M. — Dental Implants, Scottsdale
"I flew in from California specifically because of Dr. Chen's reputation with veneers. She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and the results exceeded my expectations. Worth every mile."
Lisa T. — Porcelain Veneers, Scottsdale
"After years of avoiding the dentist, Dr. Chen made me feel completely at ease. She's patient, thorough, and genuinely cares about her patients. My full mouth reconstruction changed my life."
Michael K. — Full Mouth Reconstruction, Scottsdale
"My family has been seeing Dr. Chen at the Tempe office on Wednesdays for three years. She's wonderful with my teenagers and always takes time to explain everything. Highly recommend."
Amanda S. — Family Dentistry, Tempe
Articles by Dr. Chen
Dr. Chen is the author of the following articles on the Summit Ridge Dental blog:
Book an Appointment with Dr. Chen
Whether you need dental implants, veneers, or a comprehensive smile makeover, Dr. Chen and the Summit Ridge team are here to help.