As an orthodontist, I find my purpose in doing what I do. I believe that my team and I constantly accomplish our practice mission: To produce a positive impact in our patients, our community, and the world using our expertise in dental care and orthodontics.
It is personally and professionally fulfilling to transform people who have low self-esteem due to the appearance of their teeth into confident and smiley individuals ready to take on the world!
~ Dr. Vladimir Leon
Dr. Vladimir Leon is a board-certified orthodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He is considered an international expert in orthodontics and craniofacial growth due to his extensive scientific contributions to the field. In addition to his private practice serving the Twin Cities area, Dr. Leon is an active researcher, lecturer, and published author. Several of his publications are currently used to train general dentists and specialists around the world.
Dr. Leon has practiced orthodontics for over 15 years and has successfully treated thousands of patients, improving their oral health and delivering beautifully confident smiles. He has provided high-quality orthodontic care in Peru and Brazil, as well as transformed smiles for patients in Kentucky, Washington, and Minnesota.
Education and Experience
Growing up in Peru, Dr. Leon’s parents and siblings inspired his interest in healthcare. The youngest in the family, his older siblings are first-generation doctors and his parents, who did not attend college, worked at a hospital.
In 2001, Dr. Leon completed dental school at Inca Garcilaso de La Vega University in Peru. From 2001 to 2007 he resided in Brazil, where he earned a Specialty Certificate and Master’s degree in Orthodontics at the University of Sao Paulo.
Desiring further clinical training, in 2007 Dr. Leon came to the United States to attend the University of Minnesota. There he obtained an Advanced Certificate in Orofacial Pain and Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics. Following his graduation, in 2013, he served as a fulltime Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky and then at the University of Minnesota.
Along with dedication to his patients, Dr. Leon remains a passionate educator. He currently serves as part-time faculty at Hennepin County Medical Center’s Pediatric Dentistry Program and as adjunct faculty at several universities around the world.
Continuing Education and Professional Memberships
Dr. Leon is also dedicated to furthering his own knowledge. Through continuing education, he keeps abreast of the latest developments in orthodontics. Rather than embracing every new option, though, he critically evaluates new techniques and technology before implementing developments into the practice and patient care.
Dr. Leon is a member of the:
- American Board of Orthodontics
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Minnesota Dental Association
- Saint Paul District Dental Society
Beyond the Practice
When not seeing patients, Dr. Leon is most often found with his wife and their three children: twin boys and a little girl. While family is his priority, Dr. Leon also enjoys church activities, fishing, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
