Dr. Garfinkel was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. Before embarking on his journey to dentistry, Dr. Garfinkel played a year of college basketball at Sewanee: University of the South and then he went on to graduate from Florida State University. Dr. Garfinkel attended the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. After graduation, Dr. Garfinkel returned to Tallahassee to practice dentistry, where he originally met his fiancé at Florida State.

Dr. Garfinkel enjoys working out, watching football and basketball, and traveling in his free time. Additionally, Dr. Garfinkel enjoys spending time at the beach with his friends and family.