Dr. Jennifer J. Garzas passion for excellence in orthodontics began in high school when she had braces and underwent jaw surgery in an attempt to correct a bad overbite. Her outcome was far from ideal and a life-changing event.
Driven by her need to determine why orthodontic treatment and surgery failed, she began her undergraduate years at the University of Denver. During this time, she continued working as an orthodontic assistant. She took it upon herself to learn as much as she could about dentistry and orthodontics. An invitation then followed from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, where she graduated with honors. She then completed her orthodontic training at New York University as Chief Resident. At graduation from NYU, she was awarded the Theodore L. Jerrold Memorial Award for achievement. This prestigious award is given to the outstanding orthodontic resident who, through clinical proficiency, clarity of thought, concern for patients welfare, and the desire to better the orthodontic profession, most exemplifies the true essence of an orthodontist.
During her residency, she also began a two-year course, Advanced Education in Orthodontics, at the University of Detroit at Mercy. To ensure that what happened to her will never happen to anyone else, Dr. Garza thoroughly researched her own case. Her experiences as a patient, as an assistant, and a dentist have shaped the philosophies she is determined uphold in her practice.
Its not just about straight teeth. Its about how the bite fits and functions with the jaw joint for stability. Dr. Garza has said of her practice philosophy.
Dr. Garza again took another step in post graduate education by becoming one of a select few orthodontists worldwide to complete Level III status with the Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry. This training enables her to diagnose and treat not only common orthodontic problems, but also the most difficult and complex orthodontic, surgical, restorative and TMJ cases.
