What Is a Korean Orthodontic Specialist?
Short answer
In Korea, an orthodontic specialist (치과교정과 전문의) is a dentist who has generally completed additional hospital-based orthodontic training and passed a specialist examination, receiving certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Dr. Sally Lee of Isu Yonsei Baro Orthodontics is an MOHW-certified orthodontic specialist who completed her residency at Severance Hospital.
Dentists and specialists in Korea
In Korea, as in many countries, any licensed dentist may legally provide some orthodontic treatment. A smaller group of dentists hold specialist certification in orthodontics. Korea's specialist system is overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), and orthodontics is one of the recognized dental specialties.
How specialist certification generally works
While details are set by regulation and can change, the path to becoming a certified orthodontic specialist in Korea generally involves:
- Graduating from dental school and obtaining a dental license
- Completing an internship and a multi-year orthodontic residency at an accredited training hospital
- Passing a national specialist examination
- Receiving specialist certification from the MOHW
The Korean term for this specialist is 치과교정과 전문의. Clinic names that include 치과교정과 (orthodontics) often indicate a specialist practice, but it is still sensible to check the doctor's credentials directly.
Why specialist training can matter
Orthodontics involves more than straightening teeth. It requires understanding how teeth, roots, bone, jaws and facial growth interact, and how to plan treatment that remains stable over time. Residency training focuses intensively on diagnosis, biomechanics and the management of complex cases, such as jaw discrepancies, impacted teeth or combined surgical treatment.
Specialist status does not guarantee a particular result, and experience, ongoing education and communication also matter. But for many patients, especially those with complex bites, it is a meaningful starting point.
How international equivalents compare
Many countries, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia, also have specialist orthodontic training beyond dental school. Requirements differ between systems, so it is best to compare training and experience rather than titles alone.
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 completed her internship at Yonsei University Dental Hospital and her orthodontic residency at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, earned her PhD in Orthodontics at Yonsei University and serves as a clinical (adjunct) professor in Yonsei's Department of Orthodontics. She also completed an exchange residency at USC orthodontics.
In Dr. Lee's practice, she personally treats every patient from consultation through debond and retention, and explains every step in English. Your first visit takes about 60 minutes and ends with options, a timeline and a written estimate.
Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after examination.
Key points
- Korean term: 치과교정과 전문의 (orthodontic specialist)
- Certified by Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Generally requires residency training plus a specialist exam
- General dentists in Korea may also provide some orthodontic care
- Dr. Lee: MOHW-certified, Severance Hospital orthodontic residency
Answered by
Dr. Sally Chaekyung Lee, DDS, PhD
- MOHW-certified orthodontic specialist
- PhD in Orthodontics, Yonsei University; Severance Hospital residency
- Member, Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists
- 2026 AJO-DO peer reviewer
- Consults in fluent English and treats you herself, start to finish
People also ask
Can a general dentist do braces in Korea?
Yes, licensed dentists in Korea may legally provide orthodontic treatment. Specialist orthodontists have completed additional residency training and certification focused on orthodontics. For complex bites or jaw issues, many patients choose a certified specialist.
How can I tell if a Korean orthodontist is a specialist?
Ask the clinic directly whether the treating doctor holds MOHW orthodontic specialist certification (치과교정과 전문의) and where they trained. Specialists commonly display their certificate in the clinic. Our guide on verifying an orthodontist in Korea explains more.
Is a Korean orthodontic specialist equivalent to a US orthodontist?
Both involve postgraduate orthodontic training beyond dental school, but programs and requirements differ between countries. Comparing a doctor's training, experience and professional memberships gives a clearer picture than titles alone.
Does a specialist charge more?
Fees vary by clinic and case, and specialist status is only one factor. The best approach is to ask for a written, itemized estimate after an exam and compare what is included, such as visits, appliances and retainers.
Related reading
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Individual results and side effects vary; treatment is decided after an in-person examination. See our editorial and medical review policy .
Have a question about your own teeth?
Send a message with photos or previous records. Dr. Lee will tell you what an examination would look at, in English.