Throughout the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women in the field of orthodontics. Each day, we will highlight a female orthodontist within the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO), who has made significant contributions to the profession and continues to inspire future generations.
Today, we begin our series by honoring Dr. Duong. Dr. Duong, a native of Vietnam, emigrated to the United States with her family in 1975 following the fall of Saigon. Determined to pursue her dreams, she obtained a B.S. Degree in Chemistry and a minor in French from the prestigious University of Arkansas, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then attended the University of Alabama, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine, graduating in the top ten of her class.
Before specializing in orthodontics, Dr. Duong served for eight years as a general dentist in the United States Air Force. During her time in the Air Force, she became the face on their Dental Corp recruiting brochures and posters.
Dr. Duong pursued further education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her postdoctoral degree in Orthodontics. It was here that she honed her skills and discovered her true calling – transforming lives by improving smiles, bites, and overall confidence.
Sun Orthodontics, Dr. Duong’s private practice, has been responsible for the smiles of many beauty pageant winners in the San Diego area and has consistently ranked as one of the top three orthodontists in San Diego’s North County. While Dr. Duong’s professional accomplishments are many, she also faces the challenges that come with balancing work and personal life. Despite this, one of her most rewarding experiences involved treating a referring dentist who suffered from sleep apnea. Through a complex case that involved double jaw surgery, the patient experienced a life-changing transformation. The case resulted in a double jaw surgery with maxillary, mandibular and hyoid advancement. The outcome was a huge success and the patient was able to finally sleep in bed at night instead of in a reclining chair!
As a single woman with no children of her own, Dr. Duong has figuratively adopted all her young patients as her own kids! When she’s not shaping smiles, Dr. Duong enjoys various hobbies that bring joy and relaxation to her life. From puttering in her beautiful garden to cooking gourmet meals and creating stunning floral arrangements, she possesses a true zest for life. Additionally, she enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s hiking, working out with her trainer, or embarking on new travel adventures. With a keen eye for photography, she eagerly captures the beauty around her, always finding the perfect locations for a stunning photo shoot.
Dr. Duong cherishes the holiday season, particularly Christmas. She adores the opportunity to decorate her entire home, both indoors and outdoors, and embraces the spirit of the season wholeheartedly. In fact, her love for Christmas is so profound that she leaves her tree up all year long, creating a whimsical environment for her patients and staff.
Every day throughout the month of March, we will highlight a different female orthodontist within the PCSO. These women have not only excelled in their field but have also left a lasting impact on their patients, communities, and the broader orthodontic community. By showcasing the accomplishments of these remarkable women, we aim to inspire and empower both current and future generations of orthodontists. We hope that their stories will serve as a reminder that gender should never be a barrier to success and that the field of orthodontics is inclusive and diverse.
Join us as we celebrate the immense contributions of women in orthodontics throughout Women’s History Month.
To learn more about the featured female orthodontists and their outstanding contributions, visit our blog daily throughout the month of March.