Name: David J. Harnick,DDS,MSD
Specialty: Orthodontics
Practice name: Harnick Orthodontics
Practice address: 8631 Golf Course NW Ste.F
Phone: 831-1600
Website: harnickorthodontics.com

Tell us about how you relieve stress:

Tell us about your hobbies and your family:

My favorite hobby is tennis. My wife Connie is a CPA, my stepson Dr.Matt Caffrey is a family practice physician, and my daughter Kari will be entering dental school next year as a first step to becoming my partner.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I have a crane in my bedroom. Only kidding! I totally love my family and work.

Most ridiculous dental myth:

The tooth fairy doesn't exist.

How did you become interested in being a dentist?

My dad was a dentist. Now my daughter will be a 3rd generation dentist.

Where did you go to school and what made you decide to practice here?

I did my dental training at the University of Maryland dental school in Baltimore. I loved the idea of moving west. After 11 years of being a general dentist, I went back to school at the University of the Pacific where I graduated with a Master's of Science in Orthodontics.

Tell me about your practice. How has it grown/changed over the years?

I have gone through many changes in my career. I practiced general dentistry for 11 years then went back to school to become an orthodontist. Then I was in a partnership that I left 3 years ago and started a new practice on the west side. Now I am opening a 2nd location back in the NE heights. I have "rededicated" myself to orthodontics and have taken over 300 hours of continuing dental education in the last 3 years including a mini-residency in Sleep Breathing Disorders at UCLA . Incorporating what I learned at UCLA into my orthodontic treatment has really excited me. However, one of the most gratifying areas of my practice has been my excellent and loyal staff who has followed me throughout my career. Thank you Emily( for over 30 years), Tosha and Wendy(8 years each)!

What is your secret to patient satisfaction?

Silly as it sounds: Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Most people don't know this about their dental health:

Sugar can cause decay, but it is the length of time in your mouth that is most damaging not really the amount, at least for your dental health

Do you floss daily?

Of course! My daughter who is currently at the dental hygiene program at UNM would kill me if I didn't!

Since I won in 2 categories: 1.Orthodontics and 2.Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics was known for straightening teeth. However, the field now is much more aware of the skeletal and facial aspects. Dentofacial Orthopedics deals with those aspects so that facial form, profiles, arch width and airway are now a focus of treatment.

Dr. Harnick was voted Albuquerque's Top Orthodontist 2010!

Name: David J. Harnick,DDS,MSD
Practice name: Harnick Orthodontics
Practice address: 8631 Golf Course NW Ste.F
Phone: 831-1600
Website: harnickorthodontics.com

Where did you get your education/Accreditation?

I went to college at Franklin and Marshall in Lancaster,Pa. It was smaller than my high school, with a total enrollment of 1800 students. I then got my dental degree at the University of Maryland. I moved to Albuquerque and was a general dentist for 11 years. I then attended the University of the Pacific Graduate Orthodontic Program where I was awarded a Master’s of Science in Dentistry with a Certificate in Orthodontics. I became board certified in orthodontics in 1994.

Why did you become a dentist?

My dad was a dentist. I guess dentistry is in our genes as my daughter, Kari, is a pre-dental student at UNM. She would like to become an orthodontist and I am excited that she may be my partner in the future.

What is one thing you wish people understood about their teeth?

They really can last a lifetime. Make sure to brush and floss properly. See your dentist regularly.

What is your favorite part about orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a great specialty of dentistry. What can be better than making beautiful smiles for people? I have seen people of all ages blossom with the greater confidence an awesome smile can produce. Add to that improved oral health. I love orthodontics and haven’t ever even considered retiring. I am excited about my new west side location that I started a little more than a year ago. Many of my previous patients have visited me and it has been very gratifying seeing them again.

If you weren’t a dentist, what would you do?

I really never considered anything else, but probably a lawyer.

Where were you when you found out the tooth fairy wasn’t real?

You mean there isn’t a tooth fairy?

Best bite of dental advice?

The one thing I have seen in my career is how sugar can cause decay. When I was in dental school, I had a patient that sucked on lifesavers on one back molar. The tooth had eroded away and there was a little post for the lifesaver to fit on. The lesson to be learned is it is the amount of time in contact of sugar with your teeth, not always the amount of sugar you eat. For instance, sipping on sugary drinks is the worst. It is much better to have, if you desire, with meals and water in between.

Biggest misconception about dentistry?

I really don’t know! I do know that having a healthy mouth is important for overall health. So it is not just about your teeth but about your total well being.

Number-one sweet tooth indulgence?

My wife still thinks I don’t know where she hides the chocolate in the pantry!

What keeps you smiling in Albuquerque?

I love Albuquerque! I moved here 35 years ago and have totally enjoyed the city, people and the weather. I play tennis year round and I can’t think of a better place to live.Name: David J.

Dr. Harnick supports the Special Olympics!

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Dr. Harnick was voted Albuquerque's top Orthodontist!

Q&A From Albuquerque Magazine

What inspired you to be a dentist?
“That’s easy! My dad was a dentist and dentistry has always been my life.”

Biggest misconception in tooth care?
“People that are afraid of the dentist should go to the dentist more often than most so they can prevent major problems.”

Favorite part of the job:
“Making beautiful smiles and healthy bites, but mostly giving people more self confidence and pride in their appearance.”

Favorite tool in dental arsenal:
“Braces and Invisalign. As an orthodontist, these are my most powerful tools.”

How do you deal with patients with halitosis?
“I wear a mask – but I expect my patients to have good oral hygiene. As an orthodontist, it’s rare to have this problem.”

Number-one sweet tooth indulgence:
“Believe it or not, I stay away from sweets, but I can’t resist taking a piece of dark chocolate my wife thinks she has hidden in the closet.”

As a kid, were you afraid of the dentist?
“Hard to be afraid of your dad, plus I never needed any dental work as a child. Now my daughter, Kari, is studying to be an orthodontist and my partner in my new Westside location.”

What makes you “open wide” and laugh?
“I have a corny sense of humor and like corny jokes like, I heard that laughter uses calories so we need to laugh our butts off.”

Kari Harnick rapelled down the 14 story New Mexico Bank & Trust Building to raise money for the Special Olympics. She raised over $2,300!

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