Member Spotlight: Dr. Nellie Kim-Weroha

Dr. Nellie Kim-Weroha’s journey into orthodontics is deeply personal and inspiring. Growing up, Nellie was shy and self-conscious about her smile. It wasn’t until her first year in college, after completing her orthodontic treatment, that she experienced a life-changing boost in confidence. This transformation ignited a passion in her to pursue orthodontics—a profession where she could help others experience the same positive impact on their self-esteem and overall happiness.

Nellie’s academic path reflects her dedication to mastering her craft. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2004 from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and continued her studies, receiving her certificate in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, as well as a Master of Science in Oral Biology. Her master’s thesis on “Regulation of Sclerostin Expression in Osteocytes by PGE2 and Mechanical Loading” became a highly cited study, making significant contributions to the field of bone research.

Over her 17-year career, Nellie has specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She now leads GLK Orthodontics in Rochester, Minnesota, where she practices her core philosophy: helping patients achieve smiles that reveal their inner beauty and instill confidence.

Nellie is deeply committed to advancing her profession. Early in her career, she faced the challenge of balancing motherhood—raising her twin boys—with building a thriving career in orthodontics. Thanks to supportive mentors and colleagues, she began taking on leadership roles in local and state-level orthodontic organizations. As her boys grew older and her experience expanded, she took on more significant leadership positions, eventually chairing the AAO Committee on Conferences and Meetings and serving as an ambassador of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Throughout her career, Nellie has remained dedicated to patient care and professional integrity. She emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, refusing to adopt new products or treatments without proven efficacy. Her commitment to ethical care reflects her belief that patients should always come first, and new technologies should be embraced only when they genuinely improve outcomes.

Nellie’s involvement extends far beyond her practice. She is a long-time volunteer and sponsor in her local community, contributing to organizations such as the Med City Kids Marathon and the Korean Cultural Center of Southern Minnesota. She has also participated in Minnesota’s Mission of Mercy as a volunteer dentist and continues to serve as a provider for Smiles Change Lives, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children access orthodontic care.

Looking ahead, Nellie is excited about the future of orthodontics. Advancements in technology are making treatments more accessible, allowing more people to improve their smiles. Nellie is eager to continue shaping the future of her profession, not only through her practice but also by teaching the next generation of orthodontists and advocating for patients’ care through her involvement with the American Association of Orthodontists.

Nellie’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and a genuine desire to help others. From transforming her own smile to transforming the lives of her patients, she embodies the positive impact that orthodontics can have on both personal confidence and professional excellence.

Question & Answer

What is your why?
My purpose as an orthodontist is to help others achieve a smile that reveals their inner beauty, inspiring confidence and internal happiness.

Tell us about your journey to becoming an orthodontist and what inspired you to enter this field?
Growing up, I was shy and self-conscious about my smile. When I got my braces off during my first year in college, I was inspired by how my smile transformed my confidence. I decided to pursue orthodontics as my profession to have a positive impact on patients’ confidence, translating to improving all aspects of their lives.

What are the most significant challenges you face in your career?
As orthodontists, we have a duty to evolve our practices to improve treatments, making them more efficient and less painful. However, a significant challenge is the ethical dilemma where some professionals prioritize financial gain over patient care. This includes promoting products without evidence or consideration of ethical standards.

How did you, or are you overcoming those challenges?
For new products or ideas, I ensure they are backed by proven research. If not, I advocate conducting unbiased research to validate their efficacy.

What would you say to a fellow orthodontist facing the same challenges?
No one becomes a leader overnight. Start small. By helping others, you’ll gain much more, including leadership experience, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to travel.

What specific results or greatest achievements can you share?
Balancing my career and personal life as a mother of twins while starting in a group practice. Mentors and colleagues encouraged my involvement in organized dentistry, which grew from smaller roles into significant leadership positions, including serving as chair of the AAO Committee on Conferences and Meetings and as an Ambassador of the American Board of Orthodontics.

What is your favorite hobby or interest outside of work?
Traveling, cooking, gardening, attending musical performances for my twin boys, and staying involved in organized dentistry, the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Orthodontists.

What excites you the most about the future of your career?
The advancements in technology and improved access to care excite me. More people seeking orthodontic treatment will allow orthodontists to refine their skills, provide the best care, and positively impact patients globally.