Why He Was Nominated

Dr. Garofalis’s credo is “treat every child as if it’s your own.” He spends hours seeing children for “acclimation visits,” during which they spend time in the chair and are introduced to the dental tools. Before long, he says, his young patients are more than ready for their dental work.

Inspiration

Dr. Garofalis enjoys watching patients evolve from scared youngsters into children who believe they can take care of their teeth. “Seeing kids improve their oral hygiene is the most rewarding thing.”

Tool He Can't Live Without

His wife, who happens to be his office administrator. “I work in the clinic,” he says, “but my wife is the one orchestrating things behind the scenes. I can’t imagine being here without her.”

Something People Don't Know

Dr. Garofalis performs with a Greek folk-dance troupe.