About
Meet Dr. Garfinkle
My Why
The Difference
Education
To help someone smile, talk, laugh, breathe, and be more confident brings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I am driven by my desire to be of service and am honored to be part of this journey with each patient.
Dr. Garfinkle may be the only Board Certified orthodontist in the world that is fellowship trained in Craniofacial Orthodontics and is a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign provider. His professional time is split between the Garfinkle Orthodontic practice in SW Portland and serving as the Director of Craniofacial Orthodontics at OHSU. He sees patients of all ages starting with infants born with cleft lip and palate up to adults in their senior years. He is actively engaged with training the next generation of doctors and contributing to the scientific literature by performing research and writing. Dr. Garfinkle is surrounded and supported by an extraordinary team of professionals who share his vision and inspiration. You will not find a better orthodontic team anywhere in the world.
- University of Oregon- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine - Doctor of Dental Medicine, Cum Laude Honors
- University of Kentucky - Master of Science and Orthodontic Certificate
- New York University Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery - Fellowship in Craniofacial and Special Care Orthodontics
Meet Dr. Thrower
My Why
Education
FAQ
I had the privilege of having orthodontic treatment as a teenager. My smile was greatly improved by a doctor in my hometown, and my desire thereafter was to always pay it forward. While in residency, I learned how to improve teeth relationships and smiles, but I wanted to dig deeper and make this privileged service more accessible to all rather than a select few. Fast forward to my time spent at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, I realized that Dr. Judah is doing just that in his clinic - providing services accessible to a wide range of people!
Dr. Judah is a brilliant human. He’s a true scholar and an expert in our field. I’m looking forward to working with and learning from the absolute best! His specialty training of providing world class care to clefts and craniofacial conditions is one of a kind, and I’m eager to join in the ranks of the few who can provide this level of service.
Dr. Judah is a brilliant human. He’s a true scholar and an expert in our field. I’m looking forward to working with and learning from the absolute best! His specialty training of providing world class care to clefts and craniofacial conditions is one of a kind, and I’m eager to join in the ranks of the few who can provide this level of service.
- University of Arkansas - Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- University of Georgia - Master in Public Administration with an emphasis on health policy and administration
- Oregon Health and Science University - Doctorate in Dental Medicine
- Oregon Health and Science University - Master of Science and Orthodontic certificate
What will happen with my treatment?
We recently welcomed Dr. Ryan Thrower to our team! For our patients already in treatment, nothing will change with your treatment plan.
Which doctor will I see when I come for my appointments?
Initially, you will continue to see Dr. Garfinkle for your visits. As Dr. Thrower becomes more familiar with our practice, she will gradually become more involved in your care.
Can I choose which doctor I see at my visits?
Sure if you want to! Both doctors would be thrilled if you cared enough to pick them, otherwise you will be able to choose from either which will make scheduling more convenient for you.
Why did you bring on another doctor?
Dr. Judah has been considering the idea for a few years as a way to continue to grow the practice, and to have more time to work at OHSU, on Smile Oregon, other academic projects, and to hang with his family. But the key factor was finding that special someone. Once you meet Dr. Thrower, no doubt you will understand.
When will Dr. Thrower start seeing patients?
While Dr. Thrower will start out day one as a fully trained and capable Orthodontist, she will gradually be integrated into the clinic over a number of weeks and months.
Philanthropy
Smile Oregon
Community
The mission of Smile Oregon is to ensure every child in Oregon affected by a cleft or other craniofacial condition has access to the coordinated care they deserve by providing support, awareness, and education. Dr. Garfinkle co-founded the organization in 2008 and serves on the Board of Directors.
We love supporting our local youth sports teams and neighborhood schools, some of which Dr. Garfinkle attended as a child! From drama and music programs, to mouthguard events for sports teams and study abroad programs, we enjoy being a part of this fantastic community.
Our Team
With 150 years of accumulative experience, our talented team is committed to creating a comfortable and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
Emily
Practice Manager
Joined the team in 2008
I love being part of this team of caring people that work so hard to support our patients, our community and each other!
Brittney
Treatment Coordinator
Joined the team in 2020
Because I love that it's not just smiles we are changing. I get to be part of a team with talented and dedicated individuals who invest in our patients and set out to create confidence in them.
Cheryl
Treatment Coordinator
Joined the team in 2010
We work together as a cohesive team to provide the best care for our patients.
Jamie
Financial Coordinator
Joined the team in 2011
I care about our patients and the success of our team.
Erin
Marketing Coordinator
Joined the team in 2013
Dr. Judah and our team have an amazing sense of dedication to our patients and each other, creating a vibrant and supportive environment.
Colie
Administrative Coordinator
Joined the team in 2016
I love to work with patients on their journey to a beautiful and confident smile.
Mariela
Administrative Coordinator
Joined the team in 2018
I love being part of a prestigious team and helping out people that truly want to improve their oral health.
Emily M
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2016
Working at GO brings me happiness and a sense of accomplishment to be a part of a team dedicated to helping others.
Kylee
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2017
I love helping people achieve the smile they have always dreamed of, while making sure they receive the care and attention everyone deserves.
Koreena
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2018
I love working so close with patients and getting to see their smiles transform over the course of their treatment.
Ashley
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2022
I love being a part of our patient's journey from start to finish. Hearing about new schools, new jobs, and other milestones in our patients' lives is one of my favorite parts of my job!
Nakari
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2022
It is rewarding to work every day with people who care as much about our patients as I do! Seeing a patient get excited about having a straight smile and creating a positive experience for them makes coming to work everyday easy.
Jessica
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2023
I love my job and the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives by helping them achieve healthier, more confident smiles.
Emily
Practice Manager
Joined the team in 2008
I love being part of this team of caring people that work so hard to support our patients, our community and each other!
Brittney
Treatment Coordinator
Joined the team in 2020
Because I love that it's not just smiles we are changing. I get to be part of a team with talented and dedicated individuals who invest in our patients and set out to create confidence in them.
Cheryl
Treatment Coordinator
Joined the team in 2010
We work together as a cohesive team to provide the best care for our patients.
Jamie
Financial Coordinator
Joined the team in 2011
I care about our patients and the success of our team.
Erin
Marketing Coordinator
Joined the team in 2013
Dr. Judah and our team have an amazing sense of dedication to our patients and each other, creating a vibrant and supportive environment.
Colie
Administrative Coordinator
Joined the team in 2016
I love to work with patients on their journey to a beautiful and confident smile.
Mariela
Administrative Coordinator
Joined the team in 2018
I love being part of a prestigious team and helping out people that truly want to improve their oral health.
Emily M
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2016
Working at GO brings me happiness and a sense of accomplishment to be a part of a team dedicated to helping others.
Kylee
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2017
I love helping people achieve the smile they have always dreamed of, while making sure they receive the care and attention everyone deserves.
Koreena
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2018
I love working so close with patients and getting to see their smiles transform over the course of their treatment.
Ashley
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2022
I love being a part of our patient's journey from start to finish. Hearing about new schools, new jobs, and other milestones in our patients' lives is one of my favorite parts of my job!
Nakari
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2022
It is rewarding to work every day with people who care as much about our patients as I do! Seeing a patient get excited about having a straight smile and creating a positive experience for them makes coming to work everyday easy.
Jessica
Clinical Assistant
Joined the team in 2023
I love my job and the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives by helping them achieve healthier, more confident smiles.
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