Dr. Gary Palma established a tradition for outstanding orthodontics throughout the Monterey Peninsula. This tradition of excellence continues on to this day with Dr. Garrett Criswell!
Dr. Palma is a native of the Monterey Peninsula. He was born and raised right here in the area of Monterey known to locals as “Spaghetti Hill.” Dr. Palma attended the local schools growing up. They were Thomas O. Larkin and San Carlos elementary schools, Walter Colton junior high school, Monterey high school, and Monterey Peninsula College. At the age of 19, he was called to serve his active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Upon completion of his active duty Dr. Palma attended Chico State University where he received his bachelor degree in biological science. He then attended dental school at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. After receiving his Doctorate in Dental Surgery, Dr. Palma was accepted to a dental residency at Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, but decided instead to follow his lifelong dream of becoming an Orthodontist. Dr. Palma attended the University Of Southern California School Of Dentistry, where he graduated first in his class and received his advanced degree in the specialty of Orthodontics. Dr. Palma came back to our community to live and practice in 1979, starting first with a successful office in Carmel and then shortly after with a second office in Monterey. Throughout Dr. Palma’s long and active career he has been known in our community with the highest of respect for the love of his home town and the bond that he has created with his patients as well as his colleagues.
Dr. Criswell joined Dr. Palma in 2010. The connection, passion and “patient first” work ethic was evident from day one. Dr. Criswell shared the same treatment philosophy and community devotion as Dr. Palma, and the two have been connected ever since. They became partners and as Dr. Palma spent more time with his family, Dr. Criswell transitioned into ownership. Under Dr. Criswell’s direction, the practice became known as Monterey Bay Orthodontics to reflect their love and commitment to the Monterey Peninsula, and expansion began into the Salinas Valley. The Salinas office opened with humble beginnings in 2013 near Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. It has since grown into a full scale office. In January 2017 the office moved locations and the new Salinas office opened its doors to rave reviews and excitement!
Today, the tradition of excellence in orthodontics continues with Dr. Criswell. The passion and focus on patients, the love and devotion to the community, and the commitment to outstanding treatment is as strong today as it ever was! Dr. Criswell continues to treat generations of families, families who originally began treatment with Dr. Palma thirty years ago, from the following communities: Monterey, Carmel, Seaside, Marina, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Prunedale, Watsonville, Hollister, Gilroy, Chular, Gonzalez, Soledad and King City are all able to find a convenient appointment.
Dr. Palma and Dr. Criswell remain close friends to this day. Dr. Palma is now enjoying his retirement with his wife Beverly and their children. When he’s not traveling or visiting with friends, you can catch him, as always, rooting for San Francisco Giants.