In honor of Women’s history month, today we are excited to showcase Dr. Katherine Wong, a remarkable orthodontist from San Diego, CA. Dr. Wong completed her undergraduate studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before pursuing her postgraduate education at the University of the Pacific Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry. Now, she proudly practices in her hometown of San Diego, CA, where she is making a positive impact on the lives of her patients every day.
We all have our reasons for choosing a specific career path, and Dr. Wong’s motivation to become an orthodontist stemmed from her desire to serve and improve the lives of her patients. Dr Wong says, “as with most other health professionals, I wanted a career that allowed me to serve and help improve the lives of my patients. In orthodontics, you get the opportunity to touch the lives of each patient you see. Whether that is by having a positive impact on their day at each visit, or by improving their oral health and overall confidence after straightening their smile. It is such a gratifying career. Being an orthodontist also allows you to create a life balance between work, famly, and personal hobbies. This is something I am constantly working on!”
However, the road to becoming an orthodontist isn’t without its challenges. As all orthodontists know, the journey requires at least a decade of intense education after high school. During these years, Dr Wong her time and energy to her career goals, often missing out on other experiences with family and friends. Even after graduation, the commitment to professional growth and staying up-to-date with orthodontic trends through lifelong continuing education remains a priority. It is an ongoing effort to find the delicate equilibrium between personal and professional life.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Wong’s career has been filled with moments of profound reward. One such experience is her ability to inspire young students to pursue their dreams. Through shadowing opportunities at her office, she offers glimpses into the daily life of an orthodontist, helping college students explore their passion for the field. Dr. Wong vividly remembers being in their shoes, and it brings her joy to guide and encourage the next generation of orthodontists. Dr. Wong had an incredible opportunity to travel to Brazil and visit an orthodontic school there. Immersed in a different culture, surrounded by her co-residents, and guided by the Brazilian instructors and students, Dr. Wong experienced personal and professional growth that left an indelible mark on her journey as an orthodontist. We know she is doing the same for those in her practice!
Outside of her practice, Dr. Wong has recently discovered a love for running, is an avid reader, and she and is an amazing mom to Carabelli and Mochi, French Bulldog pups. She is a proud aunt to two nieces whose hobbies include dancing, swimming, soccer, and cats. Health and fitness are a big part of Dr. Wong’s life. She loves to stay active with hiking, running, and lifting weights. Currently, she is addicted to Orange Theory!
As a self-proclaimed foodie, Dr. Wong loves to cook new recipes and try new restaurants around the world. She also loves to travel and explore different cultures, and of course, different cuisines!