Meet Dr.
Bruce Molen
Dr. Bruce Molen is a pioneer in progressive orthodontics, celebrated for his visionary approach and commitment to creating naturally beautiful smiles.
In 1972, he opened the doors to Molen Orthodontics in Auburn, laying the foundation for a legacy built on world-class expertise and heartfelt dedication to patient care. That legacy continued to grow with the opening of the Enumclaw office in 1982 and the Sumner location in 1997.
Where the Legacy Began
Born in Great Falls, Montana, and raised in North Hollywood, California, Dr. Bruce Molen began his education at Brigham Young University, where he would also meet his wife, Julie. Although they grew up just a few miles apart, it wasn’t until they both moved out of state to attend BYU that their paths finally crossed.
That early foundation sparked a lifelong commitment to excellence in orthodontics — a legacy that continues through his children, including Dr. Rick Molen and Dr. Aaron Molen, who now carry on his legacy.
Education
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology – Brigham Young University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Orthodontic Speciality Certificate – University of Washington
Selected from hundreds of applicants, Dr. Molen was honored to be part of UCLA’s very first dental school class, graduating in 1968 with numerous awards for academic and clinical excellence. During his time at UCLA, he was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, a distinction reserved for the top 10% of dental graduates nationwide.
After earning his dental degree, Dr. Molen served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, providing dental care to servicemen and servicewomen at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. It was during his service that he decided to pursue a specialty in orthodontics, later completing his orthodontic residency at the esteemed University of Washington.
Continuing Education
Throughout his career, Dr. Molen has remained dedicated to advancing his knowledge and staying at the forefront of orthodontic innovation. He has made continuing education his highest professional priority, embracing new technologies and progressive techniques long before they became the standard of care.
Dr. Molen has been invited to lecture at national meetings, including the annual American Association of Orthodontists conference. He is a proud member of several prestigious, invitation-only international orthodontic study clubs, including the elite Schulman Study Group and the Pitts Progressive Study Club — a rare honor few orthodontists achieve.
Dr. Molen has successfully passed the rigorous clinical dental boards in four states and holds licenses to practice in Washington, California, Oregon, and Utah.
Memberships & Associations
Dr. Molen is a proud member of several professional organizations, including:
Honors & Achievements
Over his decades of experience, Dr. Molen has helped shape the future of orthodontics — both locally and nationally — through his commitment to excellence, innovation, and education.
He has been recognized through a number of achievements, including:
- Selected for UCLA’s inaugural dental school class
- Graduated with multiple awards for academic and clinical excellence
- Inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society
- Captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Branch
- Invited lecturer at the American Association of Orthodontists annual meetings
- Simultaneous membership in the prestigious Schulman Study Group and Pitts Progressive Study Club
- Licensed to practice dentistry and orthodontics in four states
Outside of The Office
When he’s not creating beautiful smiles, Dr. Molen treasures time spent with his growing family. He and his wife, Julie, have six children, 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchilden — with hopes of a few more! Three of their sons have followed in Dr. Molen’s footsteps into the dental profession, including Dr. Rick Molen and Dr. Aaron Molen.
Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Molen enjoys camping, carpentry, and traveling in his camper van — the interior of which he proudly designed and built himself. Known by friends, family, and team members as kind, caring, generous, and “honest as the day is long,” Dr. Molen’s legacy is defined not only by the countless smiles he’s transformed, but by the lives he’s touched along the way.
