MEET OUR DOCTOR
Dr. Jorge L. Garaicoa was searching for an office when he came across Dr. Ett's sales post. During their first meeting, they hit it off immediately because they both prioritized the patient's well-being. For a while, Dr. Etts had been searching for someone who could take care of his patients and staff, and by the time they met, he had already received several offers. However, when he met Dr. Garaicoa, he knew deep down that he was the dentist he had been looking for. Dr. Etts was looking for a specific practitioner to take over the practice. He wanted someone who always put the patient's interests first, so he could continue the great work he had been doing. When Dr. Garaicoa met Dr. Etts, he knew he had found the right person and practice.
Dr. Etts devoted over 30 years to serving his community and providing them with exceptional oral healthcare in a warm and welcoming environment. He was a respected leader in his field and a truly remarkable individual. Although he is no longer with us, Dr. Etts' legacy will endure through the business he cherished for so long.
In loving memory of Dr. Craig H. Etts
(1957-2024)
A PATIENT-FOCUSED APPROACH
At LiveWell Dentistry, we strongly believe that dental treatment should always revolve around the patient's needs. We take the time to understand our patient's situation, including their smile aspirations, concerns, and preferences regarding treatments. We never aim to push unnecessary procedures or treatments, but instead, provide patients with relevant information and options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their dental health based on current scientific evidence.
OUR MISSION
To provide the best treatment with our modern technology and minimally invasive techniques while offering a unique and personalized approach to dentistry.
OUR VISION
To build lifelong relationships with our patients through exceptional care, quality work, and trust.
OUR CORE VALUES
OUR GOALS
1
Create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for both our patients and staff, where they can feel comfortable and relaxed.
2
Build a strong and reliable bond of trust with our patients that will last for a long time.
3
Evolve each day using dental technology and digital tools, while making decisions based on up-to-date scientific evidence.
4
Educate patients on the importance of a healthy oral cavity and how that can affect the rest of your body.
ABOUT DR. JORGE GARAICOA & TEAM
Dr. Jorge L. Garaicoa was inspired to become a dentist by his parents, who are both dentists as well. However, he did not choose dentistry after high school. Instead, he went to business school for three years before realizing his true passion. He made the switch to dentistry, where he graduated top of his class and received several honors and awards for his academic performance.
A TIMELINE OF HIS JOURNEY
2003-2007
He earned his D.D.S degree from Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador.
2009-2011
He completed a two-year AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) program at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, NY.
2011-2014
He attended the University of Iowa, where he completed his specialty in Prosthodontics and his Masters in Science.
2015-2021
2018-2021
After completing his advanced education Dr. Garaicoa and his family moved to Portland, OR where he took a job as an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University(OHSU). During his time there he focused on practicing Prosthodontics at the Faculty dental practice.
He joined a private practice in Vancouver, WA.
2021-TODAY
He relocated to Florida to practice dentistry full-time and be closer to his family.
When Dr. Garaicoa is not practicing dentistry; you can find him spending quality time with his family. He has been happily married to his wife Maria since 2011, and they have two daughters, Paulina (11 years old) and Lucy (7 years old). They love the outdoors, traveling, going to concerts, and cooking together. He is also a very passionate jiu-jitsu and judo practitioner.
MEET THE LIVEWELL DENTISTRY TEAM
KIM
Dental Assistant
I am a native Floridian and grew up in Fort Lauderdale. While not at work I enjoy drinking coffee, watching movies, and most of all, spending time with my four children!
I embarked on my journey in dental assisting back in 1991, and since 1999, I have had the privilege of being a part of Dr. Etts’ team, now known as LiveWell Dentistry. The collaborative spirit within our workplace has always stood out to me. It's truly remarkable how we come together seamlessly to deliver the utmost care and attention to each and every one of our patients. The atmosphere here strikes a perfect balance between being enjoyable and maintaining a high level of professionalism. It feels like a tight-knit family where everyone is valued and respected.
MELISSA
Front Desk
I was born in Ecuador and enjoy meeting and connecting with people from different backgrounds. As part of the front desk team, I help welcome patients and assist with scheduling to make sure everyone has a smooth and comfortable experience at our office.
In my free time, I enjoy going to the movie theater, baking sweets, and traveling to places I’ve never been before. One of my favorite hobbies is editing videos and working with visual media.
I look forward to continuing to grow and being part of a team that helps patients feel comfortable and cared for during their visits.
SARA
Front desk
I have been in the dental field for over 26 years and bring a well-rounded background to patient care and treatment coordination. Originally from Ecuador, I moved to the United States in 2000 and began my career as a dental technician in California, where I owned and operated my own dental laboratory while completing my Registered Dental Assistant certification. After relocating to New York and later to Florida, I continued advancing my skills by completing my Expanded Functions Certification at Nova Southeastern University.
Over the years, I transitioned from clinical assisting into administrative and patient coordination roles, where I truly enjoy helping patients understand their treatment and feel confident about their care.
Outside of the office, I love spending time with my husband, my daughter, and our dog, Buddha. I am also the co-founder and owner of Studio Vue Miami, a creative drone and photography company . I always look forward to welcoming new patients and helping make their dental experience comfortable, clear, and positive from start to finish.
Jennifer
Registered Dental Hygienist
I am a RDH and a trained dentist from Venezuela with a strong passion for oral health and patient-centered care. I am dedicated to preventive dentistry and strive to provide every patient with a comfortable, gentle, and personalized experience. I believe that attention to detail and patient education are key to helping people achieve and maintain healthy smiles.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy Italian cuisine and discovering different countries and cultures. Traveling and learning about new places allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and appreciate different perspectives.
I truly believe that a healthy smile plays an important role in overall well-being and self-confidence, and I look forward to continuing to help my patients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for every day.
KRISTEN
Registered Dental Hygienist
I was born and raised in Broward County and attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School, then furthered my education at FAU and BC. I was a dental assistant for 6 years and have been a dental hygienist since 2007.
My husband Aaron and I are a blended family of 5, my son Brayden, my stepson Jameson, and my stepdaughter Aubrey.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy watching football and basketball and I am a die-hard FSU and Miami Dolphins fan. In my downtime, I enjoy reading, fishing, and being on our family boat any chance I get.
I truly have a passion for the dental field and look forward to many more years!
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT DR. GARAICOA
Dr. Garaicoa is a Research Scholar for Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
HE IS A MEMBER OF:
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The American Academy of Prosthodontics
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The American College of Prosthodontists
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The American Academy of Prosthetic Dentistry
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The Florida Prosthodontics Association
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The American Dental Association
Dr. Garaicoa is a national and international speaker who has published several scientific articles and served as an editor for various dental journals.
PAPERS PUBLISHED:
Ahmed A, Maroulakos G, Garaicoa J. Acrylic resin guide for locating the abutment screw access channel of cement-retained implant prostheses. J Prosthet Dent. 2016 May;115(5):560-3
Bates AM, Garaicoa JL, Fischer CL, Brogden KA Diminished Antimicrobial Peptide and Antifungal Antibiotic Activities against Candida albicans in Denture Adhesive. Antibiotics (Basel). 2017 Feb 6;6(1).
Punj A, Bompolaki D, Garaicoa J. Dental Impression Materials and Techniques. Dent Clin N Am 61(2017) 779-796
Garaicoa JL, Fischer CL, Bates AM, Holloway J, Avila-Ortiz G, Guthmiller JM, Johnson GK, Stanford C, Brogden KA. Promise of Combining Antifungal Agents in Denture Adhesives to Fight Candida Species Infections. J Prosthodont. 2018 Oct;27(8):755-762.
Jurado CA, Tsujimoto A, Watanabe H. Villalobos-Tinoco J, Garaicoa J, Markham MA, Barkmeier WW, Latta MA. Chair-side CAD/CAM fabrication of a single-retainer resin bonded fixed dental prosthesis: a case report. Restor Dent Endod. 2020 Apr;45(2): e15
Garaicoa J, Bates A, Avila-Ortiz G, Brodgen K. Antimicrobial Prosthetic Surfaces in the Oral Cavity—A Perspective on Creative Approaches. Microorganisms. 2020 Aug 17;8(8)
Chun EP, de Andrade GS, Grassi EDA, Garaicoa J, Garaicoa-Pazmino C. Impact of Deep Margin Elevation Procedures Upon Periodontal Parameters: A Systematic Review. Eur J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2022 Nov 7
Garaicoa, J., Jurado, C.A., Afrashtehfar, K.I., Alhotan, A., Fischer, N.G. Digital Full-Mouth Reconstruction Assisted by Facial and Intraoral Scanners: A Case Report and Technique Description. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2023, 13(3), 1917
