Meet Our Doctors Top Orthodontists in Philadelphia

Dr. Foley completed his dental training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society for his academic and clinical achievements.

Dr. Foley continued his dental education by completing a post-graduate, orthodontic residency at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. Here, he received his Dental Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and received a Master of Science in Oral Biology. Dr. Foley went on to complete the board certification process and is a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Foley was selected to present his master’s thesis, Pain Gene Expression in Facial Asymmetry and TMD, at the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) Annual Session and received the William S. Kress Award for the most outstanding research thesis by a graduate resident within the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists (MASO) geographic area. He was chosen to attend the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Young Leaders in Orthodontics Conference, and holds membership in the AAO, the Pennsylvania Dental Association of the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Academy of Stomatology of Philadelphia.

Dr. Hodges was born and raised in Philadelphia where she excelled academically and studied opera as a lyric soprano at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Dr. Hodges then went on to Howard University where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and valedictorian of the Chemistry department in 1988. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine and Masters Degree in Orthodontics at Temple University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Dr. Hodges currently owns and operates three orthodontic practices in the greater Philadelphia area. Customized and detailed treatment designed to enhance the natural smile and facial beauty is her sub-specialty. Dr. Hodges is the expert orthodontic consultant to various ERISSA Funds and Unions in the Tri-State area, overseeing and reviewing the orthodontic cases of other orthodontists and assisting in appropriate treatment approaches for their patients. Dr. Hodges truly considers it a privilege not only to be able to help people improve their appearance, but also to touch lives in a positive way.

In addition to her scholarly achievements and professional accomplishments, Dr. Hodges loves teaching and speaking at churches and in the community about self- improvement and empowerment. As  the servant leader of the Vacation Bible School at Bethlehem Baptist Church she began speaking and teaching about faith and life-balance to various organizations throughout the United States. She has been called to share her learned insight and experiences with others who desire to live a life that is balanced and fulfilling.

Dr. Hodges has numerous charities that are dear to her heart and volunteers countless hours with a number of civic organizations mentoring, speaking, planning or serving in whatever capacity is needed. Her most gratifying efforts, however, are building wells for desolate villages in Africa and adopting African children in various ways.

Dr. Hodges lives her life believing to whom much is given, much is required.

Dr. Hodges is very happily married to Dr. Eric Hodges, a former class-mate and well known Endodontist in Philadelphia.  They have three children and currently reside in the Philadelphia area.

It is Dr. Hodges’ sincere desire to have a positive impact and influence on all who know her.

Dr. Christopher Lai is a Board-Certified Orthodontist. He was born and raised in Philadelphia with his family roots in Hong Kong. He went to Holy Redeemer in Philadelphia’s very own Chinatown and Neumann-Goretti High School in South Philadelphia where he graduated valedictorian in his class. He chose to stay in Philadelphia where he attended the University of Pennsylvania and stayed there to complete his dental school education. At Penn Dental, beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Chris was a leader in community health while actively researching innovative dental materials.

Dr. Chris is the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships including the SCADA Dentsply Sirona Research Award, Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Scholarship, Academy of Dental Materials Award, Predoctoral Endodontics Award, The Adrian R and Regina Kristeller Prize in Radiology and Dr. Morris Bradin Award in Periodontics.

Before dental school, what fueled his passion for orthodontics was his underbite he had growing up that led him to getting jaw surgery together with braces and Invisalign. He learned from his experience how braces and Invisalign can transform not only a patient’s smile but also their confidence. He loves being a mentor for those who are hoping to build a career in dentistry especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Born to a single mother, immigrant, and low income household, he hopes to help everyone gain the knowledge and motivation to discover opportunities and achieve their dreams.

Dr. Chris is active in the dental community. He serves as a Governor on the Board of the Philadelphia County Dental Society and as an assistant editor for their publication.

Aside from his work with the Philadelphia County Dental Society, he is also an external board member for the Institute of Clinic Bioethics with Saint Joseph’s University. He serves as their dental advisor for their health promoter program. He periodically joins in and provides free dental screenings with their organization to different communities in the Philadelphia region.

Besides his work with the dental community, Dr. Chris is a total foodie, and is actively looking for new foods to try. In addition, he enjoys photography, playing pickleball, going hiking, spending time with his family and friends, and improving his Cantonese and Mandarin.

Dr. Kelly McMonagle grew up in Norristown PA, where her journey to become the creative, calm, detail-oriented orthodontist that she is began. In her free time she enjoys yoga, crafting, and home renovation. Dr. Kelly has always had a knack for designing and creating, and channels her artistic eye into your smile design.

Dr. Kelly attended Temple University for both her undergraduate studies and dental degree. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society before moving to Seattle WA to attend a top orthodontic residency program at the University of Washington. This program has an extensive history of producing great leaders and innovators in the field of orthodontics, and I assure you Dr. Kelly will be no different.

Dr. Kelly’s warm spirit and thoughtful demeanor guide her practice of orthodontics. You will experience this in herthorough communication and attention to patient comfort. 
Dr. Kelly believes in:

• Treating all patients as I would my own son/family
• Careful planning to provide the most straight forward, efficient treatment
• Providing a comfortable, positive experience with each patient's unique needs in mind