Dr. Chun-Hsi Chung, the Norman W. and Lois L. Stander Professor of Orthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, is a visionary educator and leader whose impact extends from the classroom to the highest levels of orthodontic governance.

As department chair and a dedicated mentor, Dr. Chung has shaped generations of orthodontists committed to clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning. His mentees serve in academic positions worldwide, and through his nurturing guidance, rigorous standards, and unwavering support, Dr. Chung has built a global network of academic leaders who carry forward his commitment to excellence.

As Past President of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), Dr. Chung led one of the most significant advancements in the Board’s history: the successful transition from the traditional patient case-presenting format to the scenario-based Clinical Examination.

Dr. Chung’s dual legacy — as an academic mentor at Penn and as a transformative ABO president — reflects his unwavering dedication to advancing orthodontic quality, fairness, and education.

When he’s not teaching, Dr. Chung enjoys running, swimming, tennis, and golf. He does indoor cycling and spends his weekends hiking. He’s passionate about travel, having savored local cuisines across 26 countries.

Dr. Chung has been happily married for nearly 40 years, and the couple shares three grown children: two physicians and a computer programmer.

Dr. Chung’s Students Share His Impact

“What impressed me most about Dr. Chung was his unique combination of warmth, humility, and academic excellence. He was candid, approachable, and genuinely cared about his residents. To many of us, he felt more like a father figure than an administrator. Students always felt comfortable approaching him with questions about academics, clinical challenges, or personal concerns. I still vividly remember one Halloween when residents dressed in Pokémon costumes gathered around him as The Professor, a moment that perfectly reflected the close and joyful culture he cultivated within the program.

To this day, Dr. Chung remains one of my greatest role models. His career showed me that it is possible to be both an outstanding clinician and a devoted educator.”

— Dr. Xuefeng Zhao, Professor, Department of Orthodontics,
West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, China

“There are educators who teach you orthodontics, and then there are educators who shape the kind of clinician and person you aspire to become. And yes! Dr. Chung is unquestionably the latter. From the moment he first spoke about his vision for orthodontic education at Penn, it was clear that his commitment to the specialty ran deeper than academic credentials or clinical accolades. He is a figure who sets the tone for excellence, for integrity, and for what it truly means to serve patients well.”

— Dr. Puttipong Sripinun, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics and
Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

“What I appreciate most about Dr. Chung is how deeply invested he is in the success of his residents. He is always willing to share his knowledge, clinical expertise, and experience to help us become the best orthodontists we can be. Despite being so accomplished, Dr. Chung remains remarkably humble, approachable, and supportive. He creates a positive atmosphere within the department and always brings a great sense of humor that makes even the most challenging days enjoyable. As residents, we feel both challenged and supported, which pushes us to continuously improve while knowing we have a mentor who genuinely cares about our success. I feel incredibly fortunate to train under Dr. Chung and to have him as both a department chair and mentor.”

— Dr. Anqi Wan, Trainee of the Orthodontic
certificate program at the University of Pennsylvania, class of 2026

“What stands out most about Dr. Chung is his genuine dedication to mentorship and resident well-being. One phrase all of us hear throughout training is, “Are you happy with this program?” While he often says it jokingly, the question reflects the sincerity and care behind his leadership. He continuously strives to create an environment where we feel supported, heard, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. His openness to feedback and willingness to make changes for the betterment of the program have helped create a culture that feels not only academically rigorous but also welcoming and supportive.”

— Dr. Kyungjoon Jim Park, Trainee of the Orthodontic certificate program
at the University of Pennsylvania, class of 2027