Meet Dr. Garfinkle

Dr. Judah Garfinkle
I feel very fortunate to have found the perfect job for me: one that allows me to work with people, create things with my hands, and improve the lives of those around me. I enjoy both the physical and mental aspects of my job. I love the fine manual work. It makes me feel like I am still building Legos as a child! And mentally, treatment planning and the regular orthodontic adjustments feel like a cross between playing chess and creating a bonsai tree.

But most importantly, having the privilege of being involved in each patient’s health care, is a responsibility that I take very seriously. My commitment is to treat every patient as if they were a member of my own family.

Meet Dr. Garfinkle

On Being An Orthodontist

I feel very fortunate to have found the perfect job for me: one that allows me to work with people, create things with my hands, and improve the lives of those around me. I enjoy both the physical and mental aspects of my job. I love the fine manual work. It makes me feel like I am still building Legos as a child! And mentally, treatment planning and the regular orthodontic adjustments feels like a cross between playing chess and creating a bonsai tree.

But most importantly, having the privilege of being involved in each patient’s health care, is a responsibility that I take very seriously. My commitment is to treat every patient as if they were a member of my own family.

Education And Commitment To Continuing Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology – University of Oregon
  • Doctorate of Dental Medicine – Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • Master of Science and Orthodontic Certificate – University of Kentucky
  • Fellowship in Craniofacial Orthodontics – New York University Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Going into college, I knew that I wanted to be a “doctor” but didn’t really know exactly what kind. I liked science, was intrigued by how the human body worked, and wanted to help people. As my journey continued, I tried to figure out what I wanted in a career. I decided that I wanted to work with children, as well as adults, get to work with my hands, and to have long-term relationships with my patients. Orthodontics is the only field that provides a perfect blend of those three elements.

During my Orthodontic training, my passion for treating patients with craniofacial conditions increased, so I sought out advanced training. My fellowship training is very specialized and unique. Only one fellow per year is accepted, and at the time I completed my fellowship, NYU was the only program in the world. During the fellowship, I learned about all the various facial deformities, and how to diagnosis and manage them, along with managing traumatic accidents and growth disturbances. I also made effort to learn as much as I could about the other craniofacial specialties (e.g. speech pathology, ENT, genetics, etc.), which makes my job more enjoyable and allows me to be a greater resource to my patients and other team members.

From my perspective, no case should be treated in a vacuum with orthodontic blinders on. Every case is best managed by a team, all working together towards the same goal. To be a good team member, I strive to maintain a fundamental level of understanding about the various aspects of dentistry and medicine, which allows me to be a better team member and doctor. To achieve this, I far exceed the board requirement for CE hours due to my natural thirst for knowledge and my commitment to providing the finest orthodontic care available. Since technology and science are always changing, I believe that to maintain excellence, lifelong learning is a requirement.

I also serve as the Director of the Craniofacial Orthodontics at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, where I see patients with craniofacial conditions from birth to young adulthood. I am actively involved in research about patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions as well. In addition to authoring several book chapters and research papers, I serve as a consultant on the Cleft Team at Shriners Hospitals for Children and at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. I also wrote and advocated for what became House Bill (HB) 4128, which requires private medical insurance companies operating in Oregon to cover medically necessary dental procedures for patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association
  • American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
  • Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
  • Oregon State Society of Orthodontists
  • Oregon Dental Association

Family And Community


I am a Portland native, and was so happy to return home after completing my education. My wife, Ali, and I met at summer camp when we were 14 years old. She helps out in various ways in the office and works in the field of International Education and Study Abroad in higher education. We have three fantastic children: Maddie, Ian, and Leo.

When I’m not in the office, I love to grill on my BBQ, be out in the sun, and do any activity with my family, such as going on a walk, reading a book, playing sports, skiing, or just joking around. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures.

As a way to give back to my community, I founded a non-profit called Smile Oregon in 2008. 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, education, and advocacy. I currently serve as the President of the Board of Directors.

My work with Smile Oregon is satisfying on multiple levels. I believe that we each have a duty to try to make the world a better place. If each one of us were to do our small part, together, we could indeed change the world for the better. I sincerely hope that my dedication to Smile Oregon provides a good example to my children, so they will grow up dedicated to giving back as well. It makes me feel good to give back and support the community in which I live.

Meet The Team

EmilyEmily

Practice Manager

Emily

Emily has been privileged to work with Garfinkle Orthodontics since 2008. Currently she manages our practice remotely, but you may see her in-office as well, since she makes regular visits to work with the team in person. She enjoys supporting Dr. Garfinkle and this amazing team behind the scenes as they provide world class care to our awesome community of patients. She misses her one on one interaction with each patient and seeing those beautiful smiles at the end of treatment. However she loves the role that Dr. Garfinkle has helped her to innovate in order to continue to be of service to this team and community by continuing to improve our systems, care and communication.

When Emily is not in the office you will find her spending time with her husband Kris, exploring the outdoors in the Sonoran Desert as Tucson residents. They love trail running and lounging in the pool!
ErinErin

Treatment Coordinator

Erin

Erin meets with our patients who will be needing future orthodontic treatment. She enjoys explaining the treatment plan to patients and parents and helping guide them through this new journey. Erin also handles variety of other duties including updating our website, creating event invitations and other marketing materials, and staying in touch with the dental offices in our area. What she loves most, though, is seeing patients have a positive and successful orthodontic experience.

When Erin is not at work, she can be found spending time with her husband Scott, and their children Luke & Everleigh. Erin loves running, any and all outdoor activities, photography, and getting creative with Illustrator and Photoshop.
ConnieConnie

Treatment Coordinator

Connie

Connie has been involved with orthodontics for many years, first as a clinical assistant, and the last 18 years as a treatment coordinator. Dr. Garfinkle’s standard of excellence makes it a joy to be a part of this team. She finds joy in meeting families and individuals with a wide variety of ages and backgrounds, who want the best health and aesthetics for their teeth.

When Connie is not working she enjoys gardening, spending time with her 6 adult children, being outdoors by the ocean or camping, and ballroom dancing of any sort.
JamieJamie

Financial Coordinator

Jamie

Jamie has been in the dental field for over 20 years – more than 8 of those with Garfinkle Orthodontics! Her job here is to make certain each family is comfortable with their payment arrangements throughout the course of treatment. She also serves as a patient advocate to ensure patients get the most from their insurance benefits.

Outside of the office, much of Jamie’s time is spent camping, hiking and exploring with her husband, Doug, and daughters, Abby and Charley. She also loves cooking healthy meals, maintaining a fit lifestyle, and working on all kinds of creative projects.
MarielaMariela

Administrative Coordinator

Mariela

Mariela is one of the first smiling faces you will see when you visit Garfinkle Orthodontics. Mariela is new to orthodontics and she enjoys learning about each patient’s care and needs. What she loves most about working here is being able to witness each patient’s change in confidence after each visit.

Mariela is a Portland native and has never lived out of state. She loves exploring new restaurants in town and hanging out with her dog Potatoe. Mariela also likes to travel back to her parents hometown in El Salvador to see her extended family and eat the fruit she doesn’t get to eat here.
BrittneyBrittney

Treatment Coordinator

Brittney

I am new to the Garfinkle team, but have been in orthodontics for almost 20 years. I began my orthodontic career as a clinical assistant and transitioned into the position of Treatment Coordinator. I enjoy meeting with all new patients who may be needing future orthodontic care.

It is my goal to make each individual who walks through our door feel welcome, comfortable and leave with a thorough knowledge of their recommended treatment. I am married to my best friend and we have two beautiful children! Outside the office I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors with my family. My happy place is in the sun with my nose in a book.
LoraLora

Triage Coordinator

Lora

I ensure safe check-ins for all patients that come into our office as well as sterilizing to keep us all safe. I am new to the Dental world but I have a background as a CNA and Mental Health professional.

In my spare time, you can find me creating digital art, writing for my podcast, or heating the heavy bag at my kickboxing gym! I live with my wonderful partner Red and our adorable cat Loki
ColieColie

Administrative Coordinator

Colie

Working with patients of all ages is such a fun and rewarding part of being a clinical assistant. The patients at Garfinkle Orthodontics are delightful and fabulous, each in their own way. Joining them on their journey to a beautiful smile is priceless. Colie provides assistance to the doctor for various procedures and supports the patients throughout treatment.

Colie and her husband Chris are Oregon natives and enjoy all that Oregon has to offer! They can be found hiking with dogs, camping in Central Oregon, or playing a round of disc golf. Colie loves gardening, cooking, baking (mostly bread), and spending time with friends and family.
CherylCheryl

Treatment Coordinator

Koreena

Koreena has been in dentistry for over six years. Her favorite part of working at Garfinkle Orthodontics is watching our patients smiles transform throughout treatment.

When Koreena is not at work, she enjoys hiking with her husband and their Goldendoodle, Cooper.
KoreenaKoreena

Clinical Assistant

Koreena

Koreena has been in dentistry for over six years. Her favorite part of working at Garfinkle Orthodontics is watching our patients smiles transform throughout treatment.

When Koreena is not at work, she enjoys hiking with her husband and their Goldendoodle, Cooper.
EmilyEmily

Clinical Assistant

Emily

Emily recently joined the Garfinkle team and she loves coming into work everyday to help create beautiful smiles. She loves being a part of each patient’s journey.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys painting, paddle boarding with her dog Bradley, fishing, snowboarding, and camping. Being active and outdoors has always been a large part of Emily’s life.
KyleeKylee

Clinical Assistant

Kylee

Kylee has been working in orthodontics for 5 years. She works hard, alongside Dr. Judah, to make sure our patients are always comfortable, happy and getting the best care that they can receive. She is proud to be a part of a team that truly focuses on patient care. Her favorite part of the job is being able to help create beautiful smiles and friendships along the way.

When Kylee isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, hiking, going to the coast and spending time with her family.

What Sets Us Apart

 

Our Vision:


To craft smiles that elevate the spirit.

Our Mission:


Every Smile Matters. Our expertise and passion allow us to provide confident and healthy smiles for every individual regardless of complexity.

With attention to detail, we provide a seamless and coordinated experience in our office. “We all wear the bowtie”. Each of us brings their best attitude and effort to work toward the common goal of serving our patients with professionalism and enthusiasm. We focus on open and mature communication. We strive to learn from each other every day by accepting and providing productive feedback.

We accept the challenges that come up each day in our line of work and convert them into growth and learning opportunities. We work hard to improve constantly, each person getting better each day and being proud of their growth and searching for other ways to continue growing.

We are honored to be privileged enough to care for our patients, our lives are truly made better by the opportunity to serve our community. At the end of the day, our priority is YOU as an individual.

Garfinkle Orthodontics pledges to give back to our community of Portland and the whole state of Oregon.

We are life-long learners, taking a balanced approach to integrating new ideas into our office.

Our Values:

Be honest: We treat our patients and each other with integrity. Be detail-oriented: If excellence were easy, everyone would have it. We do not cut corners in any aspect of the patient experience. Be dependable: We are accountable to our patients, our team, and ourselves. Be of service: When in doubt of what to do for a patient or teammate, “Make it right”. We are only here to make good things happen for other people. Be a solid teammate: By being respectful, honoring each other’s strengths, and communicating maturely, we can have fun, support each other, and be part of something greater together than we could accomplish alone.




We understand and appreciate the importance of a healthy and fulfilling work-life balance. When you’re a patient at Garfinkle Orthodontics, you, your oral health, and your smile are our highest priority. Dr. Judah Garfinkle and Dr. Richard Garfinkle, along with our team, are passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles for our patients. We’re equally as passionate about developing lasting relationships with each person we care for, getting to know them on a personal level, and becoming friends with them.

Our office is a friendly, welcoming space, where patients love to visit and we love to work. This is an environment filled with laughter and smiles, where each patient knows how important they are to us, and that we are here to ensure their orthodontic journey is one they enjoy. Creating straight, healthy teeth and amazing smiles for people we care about is truly our pleasure. We’d love to get to know you while crafting your incredible new smile, too!

Office Tour

arrow
arrow