Empowering Smiles, Inspiring Confidence
Dr. Stella Dong Wagner is a board-certified orthodontist dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles through personalized, modern care. At Stellar Orthodontics, she combines advanced technology with a whole-health approach, focusing not only on alignment but also on bite function, airway health, and long-term stability.
Education and Background
Dr. Stella graduated as Valedictorian from the UCLA School of Dentistry and completed her orthodontic specialty training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UC San Diego.
Her strong academic foundation and advanced clinical training allow her to provide precise, customized orthodontic care for patients of all ages.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Stella is passionate about creating smiles that are both beautiful and functional. She takes a comprehensive approach to orthodontics by considering:
- Bite alignment and function
- Airway and breathing health
- Jaw development
- Long-term stability of results
By combining clinical precision with an artistic eye, she helps patients achieve natural, confident smiles that last a lifetime.
Leadership and Professional Involvement
Dr. Stella is actively involved in national orthodontic organizations and contributes to the advancement of the profession through leadership and collaboration.
- Member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- Member of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
- Representative of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO) on AAO Councils
- Member of the AAO Council on Orthodontic Practice (COOP)
- Member of the AAO Council on New & Younger Members (CONYM)
- Member of the AAO Council on Benefits (COB)
Awards and Honors
Dr. Stella has received numerous awards recognizing her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to patient care.
- Valedictorian, UCLA School of Dentistry
- Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Scholarship Award
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon Kramer Award of Excellence
- Comprehensive Patient Care Award, UCLA School of Dentistry
- Excellence in Community Clinical Care Award, UCLA School of Dentistry
- Dr. No-Hee Park Award for Excellence Scholarship
- Drs. David & Miki Lee Scholarship for Academic Excellence and Leadership
- Dean’s Scholarship, UCLA School of Dentistry
- Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Awards
- American Association of Endodontics Awards
- San Diego Dental Health Foundation Scholarship
- F. Thomas Bond Revelle College Scholarship
- American Red Cross Scholarship Award
Outside the Office
Outside of the office, Dr. Stella enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, an aerospace systems engineer. Together, they enjoy staying active, exploring nature, trying new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends.
Empowering Smiles & Confidence with Dr. Stella Dong
