Dr. David T. Garlock, DMD, MS
Not long ago, we took the braces off a patient who had since moved out of state. She flew back to Colorado just for the occasion, while her mom—unable to make the trip—watched through FaceTime.
As I stood there in my scrubs and watched this young woman reveal her new smile to her mom over the phone, they both burst into tears. They were ecstatic with the results, but my heart went out to a mom who wished she could have been there in person to celebrate such an important milestone in her daughter’s life.
Getting your braces off is a big deal. And I get a front-row seat to that moment every day.
That’s why I love what I do.
Every day, I’m excited to walk into the office, welcome my patients, and be part of their journey. Straightening teeth can increase confidence and improve oral health in measurable ways, but I’m not here simply to move teeth. I’m here to build trust, create relationships, and become part of your family’s experience.
Then comes that magical day when the braces come off. Whether we’re celebrating together in the office or sharing the moment through a phone screen from hundreds of miles away, we celebrate together.
Experience & Education
Dr. Garlock earned his Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, from Portland State University in 2006 and his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry in 2010, where he graduated at the top of his class with honors. He then completed two and a half years of specialized orthodontic training at Saint Louis University, earning his orthodontic certificate and a Master of Science in Dentistry in December 2012.
That same month, he purchased Minick Orthodontics in Aurora. He renamed the practice Garlock Orthodontics in May 2013 and moved it to its current home at 6240 S. Main St., Suite 220 in August 2017. 5280 Magazine has named Dr. Garlock a Top Dentist in orthodontics for 10 straight years, from 2017 through 2026. He reached Invisalign’s Platinum tier in 2021 and has been an Invisalign Diamond Provider since 2023. Dr. Garlock also speaks Spanish, as do several members of his team.
His training taught him that orthodontics is both a science and an art. Today, he combines that foundation with advanced technology and treatment techniques to create smiles that are not only beautiful, but healthy, balanced, and designed to last.
Dr. Garlock is passionate about continuing to learn and improve. He served on the Advisory Board for the Denver chapter of the Seattle Study Club and is an active member of national orthodontic study clubs, where he collaborates with leading dentists and orthodontists. He has also lectured on Invisalign twice and presented at a large orthodontic study club meeting.
For his patients, continuing education means more than adding credentials to a résumé. It means bringing the latest knowledge, technology, and treatment options into the office and continually looking for better ways to care for the people who trust him with their smiles. To sharpen his Invisalign skills, he completed the Aligner Intensive Fellowship in 2017 (45 hours of continuing education) and the Plastic Principles course in 2023. Today he completes about 15 hours of continuing education each year.
Dr. Garlock’s research has also been published. His study of the bone supporting the lower front teeth, measured with CT scans before and after treatment in nonextraction patients, appeared in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in 2016.
Giving Back Is Part of Who He Is
Dr. Garlock’s commitment to serving others began long before he opened his orthodontic practice. While in dental school, he volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, taught dental health in schools and community organizations, and provided dental care to underserved children in Portland.
That commitment has continued throughout his career. He has volunteered with organizations including Ronald McDonald House and Food Bank of the Rockies and has supported nonprofits such as Kenzi’s Causes and HopeKids. He also loves investing in the community he calls home, from supporting local elementary schools and neighborhood swim teams to participating in concerts, parades, fairs, and other community events.
For Dr. Garlock, community involvement isn’t something he does simply because it’s part of being a good business owner. It’s part of who he is.
Outside The Office
I’ve been blessed with 4 beautiful children and an amazing wife. They are my top priority and my motivation to be the best that I can be. I’m your classic washed-up athlete. I love playing basketball, tennis, golf, skiing, mountain biking, and just about anything else where I can be competitive and physically active. My most prized possession and priority is my family, and I feel that building relationships with them, along with those around us, helps our community grow and strengthen and become a richer environment for all.
After more than 16 years in orthodontics, Dr. Garlock still feels incredibly fortunate to love what he does. He believes every patient deserves exceptional orthodontic care, but also deserves to feel known, encouraged, and genuinely cared for along the way.
Because at the end of treatment, the best part isn’t simply seeing straight teeth.
It’s seeing someone smile—and knowing you got to be part of the reason they can’t seem to stop.