Meet Dr.
Aaron Molen
Known for his warm, approachable style and forward-thinking mindset, Dr. Aaron Molen is a globally recognized expert in digital orthodontics and 3D imaging.
He combines cutting-edge innovation with the same genuine care and patient-first philosophy that defines the Molen legacy. Dr. Aaron is inspired to carry the tradition forward — and today, he’s honored to practice alongside his father, Dr. Bruce Molen, his older brother, Dr. Rick Molen, and his friend, Dr. Chris Eitzen.
I love raising my own kids in the same community that I grew up in. It's an honor to build upon the generations of smiles that my dad created, while creating a new generation of smiles."
Where the Legacy Continues
Born in Seattle and raised in Auburn, Dr. Aaron graduated from Auburn Senior High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Zoology at Brigham Young University. While at BYU, he met and married his wife, Melody.
Dr. Aaron went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University, where he was elected national Speaker of the House for the American Student Dental Association — a leadership role chosen by his peers at dental schools across the U.S.
He then completed a three-year orthodontic residency at UCLA — his father’s and brother’s alma mater — serving as chief resident of the orthodontic program. While there, he also earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology, focusing his research on how 3D x-rays can improve treatment for cleft palate patients — a passion he continues to bring into his practice today.
One of the journal articles he wrote on 3-D x-rays is required reading for students preparing to take their written orthodontic board exams!
Outside of The Office
Dr. Aaron lives in the Lakeland Hills – Lake Tapps – Bonney Lake area with his wife, Melody, their daughters Kaya and Lily, and their energetic son Sawyer.
Outside the office, Dr. Aaron enjoys snowboarding, camping, trail running, target shooting, tinkering with computers, and exploring the world through “armchair travel.” He’s fluent in Tagalog (a Filipino dialect) and has a deep love for both learning and connecting with others — whether it’s through family time, outdoor adventures, or orthodontic innovation.
Fun Facts About Dr. Aaron
- He and his wife, Melody, met in a thrift store
- He lived in the Philippines for two years and speaks fluent Tagalog
- All three of his kids have two middle names
- He dreams of learning to play the banjo
- As a kid, he wanted to be a marine biologist
- His favorite foods are Filipino and Thai cuisine
- His favorite dessert is red velvet cake
- His favorite vacation spot is Lake Chelan
- His favorite TV show is Lost
- His favorite author is Clive Cussler
- He loves to listen to Cat Stevens, Nirvana, Alt-J, Mumford & Sons, and the Beastie Boys
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Brigham Young University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery – Loma Linda University
- Orthodontic Specialty Certificate – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Master of Science in Oral Biology – UCLA
Continuing Education
Dr. Aaron is a lifelong learner and highly sought-after speaker in the orthodontic field. He has delivered more than 150 lectures to fellow orthodontists around the world and has spoken at over a dozen annual meetings of the American Association of Orthodontists and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists since completing his residency.
He also serves on the Technology Editorial Board for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and is the author of several peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters — including one journal article that is required reading for students preparing for their board exams.
Whether lecturing internationally or mentoring the next generation of orthodontists, Dr. Aaron is passionate about advancing the profession through knowledge-sharing and cutting-edge technology.
Memberships & Associations
Dr. Aaron is an active member of several professional organizations, including:
Along with Dr. Rick and Dr. Chris, Dr. Aaron is one of a handful of orthodontists in the U.S. to simultaneously hold membership in both of these prestigious, invitation-only orthodontic study groups:
- Schulman Study Group
- Pitts Progressive Study Club
These peer-vetted, geographically exclusive groups reflect Dr. Aaron’s standing as a thought leader and innovator within the global orthodontic community.
Honors & Achievements
Over the years, Dr. Aaron has been recognized through a number of achievements, including:
- Elected National Speaker of the House for the American Student Dental Association
- Served as Chief Resident of the UCLA Orthodontic Program
- Earned a Master’s degree in Oral Biology with research focused on 3D x-rays and cleft palate treatment
- Internationally recognized expert in digital orthodontics and 3D imaging
- Delivered over 150 professional lectures to orthodontists around the world
- Invited speaker at over a dozen annual meetings of the AAO and PCSO since completing residency
- Published multiple textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles
- Authored a required reading article for the orthodontic board exam
- Serves on the Technology Editorial Board for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- One of a handful of U.S. orthodontists with concurrent membership in the Schulman Study Group and the Pitts Progressive Study Club
