Dr. Allen Garai
Co-Chair, NOI Orthodontics
Dr. Allen S. Garai received his postdoctoral training in Rochester, New York, with a two-year specialty in orthodontics at Eastman Dental Center at the University of Rochester.
While at Eastman, he dedicated time to study of facial growth in patients with craniofacial abnormalities under the supervision of Dr. J.D. Subtelny, who is one of the pioneers in the orthodontic treatment of patients with this condition. Dr. Garai has been awarded the honorary title of “Diplomate” by the American Board of Orthodontics. This is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association. Dr. Garai has served as attending faculty and taught lingual “invisible” orthodontics in the postdoctoral orthodontic program of Children’s National Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.
In his free time, Dr. Garai enjoys playing soccer and various sports. He also sponsors several area youth leagues. He and his wife Sherry have three children and a dog name "Bella".
Professional Experience
Co-Chair, National Orofacial Institute (NOI), Orthodontic Program, a Medstar Washington Hospital Center affiliate.
Attending faculty at Children’s Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center department of orthodontics for more than 20 years.
Expertise
Dr. Garai has been practicing orthodontics for more than 20 years, and is privileged to have created thousands of individualized beautiful smiles. He has at least 15 years of experience in Invisalign® and been recognized as a “TOP 1% Provider” since 2016.
More than 20 Years of Teaching Orthodontics
Dr. Garai has been teaching orthodontics, in clinical and didactic studies, at Children’s and Washington Hospital Center’s orthodontic departments. Thus, he is always up to date with the latest treatments. Dr. Garai has been recognized as “One of leaders in Lingual Orthodontics in the Washington area” by Washingtonian Magazine. He has presented lingual treatment cases at the National American Orthodontic Association meeting. Dr. Allen Garai has been featured on NBC 4, “A New Me” TV show, and News Channel 8.
Credentials
Dr. Garai is a board-certified orthodontist.
This honor is given to fewer than 25% of practicing orthodontists. It demonstrates our pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in our orthodontic treatments.
Recognized as “Top/Best Orthodontist”:
Dr. Garai has been voted as Top / Best Orthodontist by other dental professionals:
- Washingtonian Magazine
- Northern Virginia Magazine
- Virginia Living
Dr. Garai has also been selected as Top / Best Orthodontist by readers of:
- Washington Family Magazine
- Consumers’ Research Council of America
- NoVA Living Magazine
- Health and Beauty
- Washington Consumers’ Checkbook Magazine
Dr. Linda Hallman
Co-Chair, NOI Orthodontics
Academic Director
What makes Dr. Linda Hallman so unique compared to other Washington, DC Orthodontists? For starters, Dr. Hallman is a specialist in anatomy, dentistry, and orthodontics. Her commitment to Six-Elements Orthodontics ensures you receive a total treatment plan, which focuses on the harmonious alignment of facial, dental and jaws as a whole.
Dr. Hallman is one of the rare orthodontists who personally sees every patient – at every visit. Her combined expertise and patient-focused philosophy assure you get the best orthodontic care for your overall health. She has been practicing in the Washington, DC metropolitan area since 1994.
Dr. Hallman’s Academic Credentials and Affiliations:
- PhD in Anatomy from University of Maryland in Baltimore
- DDS degree from University of Maryland in Baltimore
- Certificate in Orthodontics from University of California, San Francisco
- Currently serving as Director of Orthodontics at the Washington Hospital Center
- Specialist on Craniofacial Team at Children’s National Medical Center
- Member of the American Association of Orthodontists
- Member of the Six Elements Society
- Member of the American Cleft Palate Association
- Member of the American Dental Association
Dr. Sheira Ramos-Vélez
Program Director
Dr. Sheira Ramos-Vélez is a Board Certified Orthodontist that grew up in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2018. Her post-doctoral education continued in a one-year General Practice Residency Program at Staten Island University Hospital. She then completed; her Orthodontics Degree at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.
Dr. Ramos has worked with multiple complex orthodontic cases, including: orthognathic surgery, sleep apnea and Craniofacial. She is currently serving as attending and faculty at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Children's National Hospital. Dr. Ramos actively participates in community study clubs to provide her patients with a multidisciplinary approach.
Dr. Sheira Ramos states: "I am thrilled to have relocated to the Northern Virginia area, where I look forward to bringing my expertise as an Orthodontist. It's an honor to contribute to the well-being of all my patients, especially the Craniofacial community that demand a more extensive and careful attention. Our mission is to create an office environment where patients of all ages can feel comfortable and welcomed, knowing they are in capable hands. My passion is to engage with all patients and make a positive difference in their lives. I look forward to welcoming you into our growing family of happy smiles!"
Spanish Speaking Orthodontist
Dr. Ramos was born and raised in Puerto Rico, which makes her fluent in Spanish. She loves working and serving the Hispanic community. When not at work, she enjoys watching movies and series, exploring restaurants in the DMV area, dancing salsa and spending time with family by traveling to Puerto Rico.
Ortodoncista que habla Español
La Dra. Sheira Ramos nació y creció en Puerto Rico, por lo que habla español. Le encanta poder servir y trabajar con la comunidad Hispana.
Dr. Ramos' Academic Credentials and Affiliations:
- Board Certified Orthodontist
- Certificate in Orthodontics from MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
- DMD degree from University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine.
- Currently serving as Program Director of Orthodontics at MedStar Washington Hospital Center- Orthodontics Program.
- Member of the American Association of Orthodontists
- Member of Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists
- Member of American Dental Association
- Member of DC Dental Society.
- Member of VA Dental Society
Dr. Maria C. Rey
Dr. Rey has been practicing orthodontics for more than 30 years; 20 of those, in private practice in the Washington DC area. In addition to her practice, Dr. Rey has been a part-time faculty member at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center Orthodontic Residency, teaching Clinical Orthodontics for more than 15 years.
Dr. Rey was awarded her D.D.S. degree from Universidad Javeriana Bogota, Colombia in 1980 and completed her specialty training in orthodontics in 1986. She has conducted research in conjunction with the University of Amsterdam (ACTA) and managed a private orthodontic practice in Hilversum, The Netherlands. She had extensive clinical experience treating Cleft Lip and Palate patients at a hospital-based clinic in Bogota, Colombia.
Furthermore, she has served as a member of the Craniofacial Team at Children's National Medical Center in Washington DC since 1998. She is also a certified Invisalign provider and has extensive experience treating cases with clear aligners. Dr. Rey has been a faculty of the Orthodontic Residency Program since it started at Children's National Medical Center and continued as Attending Faculty when the program moved to Medstar Washington Hospital Center.
Her comprehensive clinical experience and her strong ties to the academic world gives her the ability to teach her residents the latest available knowledge and clinical skills in orthodontic care.
She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the DC Dental Society.
Dr. Rey enjoys time with her children and family. She loves traveling, speaks English, Spanish and is conversational in Italian, German and Dutch. Among her hobbies are gourmet cooking, gardening, golfing, and scuba diving.