Orthodontic Question Answered

Why verification matters

Choosing an orthodontist in a new country can feel uncertain, especially when information is mostly in Korean. A few simple checks can help you understand who will be treating you and how they trained.

1. Specialist certification

Korea has a specialist system overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). A certified orthodontic specialist is called 치과교정과 전문의. Certification generally follows a hospital-based residency and a specialist examination. Ask the clinic directly whether the treating doctor is certified; specialists commonly display their certificate in the clinic and list it on their profile. Requirements are set by regulation and can change, so treat this as general guidance.

2. Training and education

Which dental school did the doctor attend?
Where did they complete their orthodontic residency?
Do they hold advanced degrees, such as a PhD in orthodontics?
Do they teach or hold academic appointments?

3. Professional involvement

Memberships in professional bodies, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations show ongoing engagement with the field. These do not guarantee outcomes, but they help you understand a doctor's background.

4. Who actually treats you

Some practices have the consultation with one doctor and treatment visits with others. Ask whether the same orthodontist will plan and supervise your treatment from start to finish.

5. How the clinic communicates

Is the diagnosis explained clearly, in a language you understand?
Do you receive a written, itemized estimate?
Are diagnostic records such as X-rays or 3D scans taken before a plan is proposed?
Can the clinic provide English documents for insurance or relocation?

Red flags to watch for

Firm price quotes based only on photos
Guarantees of specific results or timelines
Pressure to commit on the same day
Unclear answers about who will treat you

What to expect at Isu Yonsei Baro

Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD, is an orthodontic specialist certified by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare. She graduated summa cum laude from Yonsei University College of Dentistry, completed her orthodontic residency at Severance Hospital and earned her PhD in Orthodontics at Yonsei, where she is a clinical (adjunct) professor. She is a member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (Northern California), a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a 2026 peer reviewer for AJO-DO.

In Dr. Lee's practice, credentials are only the starting point; she personally treats every patient, with no hand-offs, and explains each step in English. Your first visit takes about 60 minutes and includes scans, X-rays or CT and a written estimate.

Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.

Is there an online registry of Korean orthodontic specialists?

Public lookup options and their language support can vary. The most reliable approach is usually to ask the clinic directly about the doctor's MOHW specialist certification and training, and to look for the certificate displayed in the clinic.

What does 치과교정과 전문의 mean?

It is the Korean title for a certified orthodontic specialist, a dentist who has generally completed orthodontic residency training and passed a specialist examination, with certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Do memberships like the AAO matter?

Memberships in organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists or the World Federation of Orthodontists indicate engagement with the international orthodontic community. They add context to a doctor's background but do not by themselves guarantee results.

Should I get more than one opinion?

For major treatment decisions, such as extractions or jaw surgery, a second opinion is reasonable. Isu Yonsei Baro offers second opinion consultations in English with Dr. Lee.

English consultations with Dr. Lee

How Do I Verify an Orthodontist in Korea?

Short answer