Meet Dr. Lu
I’m Dr. Xuanyu Lu, an American Board-Certified Orthodontist and proud founder of PhD Orthodontics. My journey in dentistry is driven by a lifelong passion for Science, Education, and compassionate Patient Care. I earned my PhD with advanced research training in Bone Biology, Bone Regeneration, and Tooth Development. My academic path brought me to the University of Southern California (USC), where I taught, conducted research, and contributed 12 peer-reviewed publications to the field.
In 2018, I achieved Board Certification in Orthodontics by passing a rigorous clinical examination, which included presenting six completed cases to meet the highest standards in our profession. To this day, I apply those same standards to every patient I treat, focusing on results that are not only effective but built to last.
Education
- Jilin University, China, D.D.S., Dentistry
- Jilin University, China, M.S., Clinical Dentistry
- University of Illinois, Chicago, Ph.D, Oral Sciences
- University of Illinois, Chicago, M.S., Orthodontics
- University of Illinois, Chicago, Orthodontics, Residency
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Craniofacial and Special Needs Orthodontics, Fellowship
Work Experience
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Attending Doctor, Craniofacial Orthodontics
- USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Clinical Assistant Professor, Orthodontics
- Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Consultant, Craniofacial Orthodontics
- Professional Membership
- American Board of Orthodontics, Board-Certified, Diplomate (ABO)
- College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, Diplomate (CDABO)
- American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO)
- California Association of Orthodontists (CAO)
- International and American Association for Dental Research (IADR/AADR)
- The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
As a Craniofacial Orthodontist, I’m among the few specialists with additional Fellowship Training to care for patients with Cleft Lip/Palate and other Congenital conditions requiring Presurgical Orthodontics. I served as the Attending Orthodontist on the renowned Craniofacial Team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where I worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to guide families through complex care with empathy and precision.
Outside the clinic, I’m a father to Dustin, a bright and adventurous 9-year-old in the fourth grade at Hugo Raider Elementary. He loves LEGO, Roblox, Minecraft, and (possibly) piano and math homework. We love traveling, camping, and discovering the unknown together—whether it’s in the great outdoors or in daily adventures.
Running is another important part of my life. I ran my first marathon in Chicago in 2013 to overcome a personal battle with depression, and that race marked the beginning of a healing journey. Since then, I’ve completed 30 full marathons—each 26.2 miles a symbol of perseverance, growth, and strength.
I was made in China, but my last name is USA now. As a new immigrant, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities this country has given me to pursue my American dream. With the skills and experience I’ve gained, my greatest hope is to give back—to serve our community, and care for your loved ones as I do my own.
