Dr. Marie Lathrop made the decision to become an orthodontist when she was a teenager in braces: “ I loved my orthodontic experience and getting a smile that I was proud of – I wanted to provide that feeling for others.”

Originally from a small town in Idaho, Dr. Lathrop earned a Bachelor of Science in pre-dental studies at University of Idaho. She then moved to Portland to pursue her dental dreams at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), where she earned both her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) in 1986, and her certificate in Orthodontics in 1989.

Following graduation, Dr. Lathrop worked at Kaiser Permanente and taught orthodontics at OHSU while raising her four children. When her youngest child was in kindergarten, she decided to open her own practice in 2000 in the Sellwood-Moreland area.

Dr. Lathrop is involved in the Portland community and continues to volunteer-teach at OHSU. She serves on the board of the Oregon State Society of Orthodontists where she has recently help implement changes to the Dental Practice Act. She is also a strong supporter of neighborhood schools and sponsors a team for Sellwood Little League. It is a goal of Marie Lathrop Orthodontics to give back to the community by making annual donations to worthwhile organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul and Blanchet House.

When Dr. Lathrop is away from her office, she enjoys traveling with her family and experimenting with new recipes. She truly has a passion for loving life and helping others.

Dr. Lathrop’s favorite hobby is genuinely her work: “I am so happy to come to work each day. It is so satisfying for me to help my patients achieve beautiful smiles.”