Dr. Bruce Molen was born in Great Falls, Montana and grew up in North Hollywood California. He attended Brigham Young University where he met his wife Julie and earned a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Zoology.
Dr. Molen was selected from among hundreds of applicants to become part of UCLA’s first dental class of 27 students. During his summer breaks he was a carpenter building sets and movie props at Hollywood studios. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Science degree (DDS) in 1968. Among the coveted awards he received for his academic and clinical excellence were the Crown and Bridge award, the Removable Prosthetics award, as well as the Mosby Scholarship award. . He was nominated and joined the prestigious fraternity of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, which is generally limited to the top 10% of graduating dentists and distinguished dental educators nationwide.
Following his dental education, Dr. Molen served in the Dental Branch of the U.S. Air Force. There he treated servicemen at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota for two years. It was during that time that he made the decision to continue his education and specialize in orthodontics. He applied to and was accepted into the University of Washington’s orthodontic residency program in the fall of 1970. He earned his orthodontic certificate in 1972. Dr. Molen opened his practice in Auburn in 1972, Enumclaw in 1981, and Sumner in 1997. When not in one of his offices, Dr. Molen enjoys camping, carpentry and traveling in his camper van which he designed and built himself.
Outside of orthodontics, family is his top priority. While serving in the USAF, two children were born to Dr. Molen and Julie – Laurisa, now a Registered Nurse and the mother of four delightful children. Dr. Rick , now Dr. Molen’s associate, was born at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Molen’s four additional children were born in Seattle. David Molen, DDS, MD, is now a practicing oral and facial surgeon in Sumner. He and his wife have one very intelligent son. Aaron Molen, DDS, is currently a student in UCLA’s three-year orthodontic residency program. The fourth son, James, is currently enrolled in UCLA’s three-year law program. The Molen’s youngest child, Elizabeth, died of SIDS at the age of 3 ½ months.
Dr. Molen feels it is very important to stay abreast of all the new developments in orthodontics and has made continuing education his highest professional priority. He has always been on the cutting edge of new technology. He has presented lectures at the annual American Association of Orthodontist International meeting. He has also prepared and presented practice management seminars. Continuing education is also a requirement for his staff. Many of them have presented round tables (leading discussions for other orthodontic assistants) at national and regional orthodontic meetings.
Dr. Molen is a member of the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Society, the Seattle King County Dental Society, the American Association of Orthodontists and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. Dr. Molen has passed the rigorous boards of four states and is licensed to practice in Washington, California, Oregon, and Utah. He is also a member of three national and local study groups.
Friends and employees describe Dr. Molen as a kind, caring and generous man. He is always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His pleasant personality has made him a great friend and doctor to his patients.
2 Trusted Orthodontists, 3 Convenient Locations Serving Auburn, Enumclaw,
Sumner, Orting, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Lake Tapps and Puyallup Washington (WA)