Dr. Patrick Turley
With decades of experience and a legacy of innovation, Dr. Patrick Turley is one of the most respected orthodontists in the field. From pioneering research to hands-on patient care, his passion for creating confident smiles is unmatched. Get to know the expertise, values, and personality behind every treatment.
📘 Education & Training
A Los Angeles native, Dr. Patrick Turley earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Whittier College before attending the UCLA School of Dentistry. There, he received special recognition from the American Association of Orthodontists for his groundbreaking research on computerized prediction of wisdom tooth impaction.
He continued his post-doctoral training at the University of Washington in Seattle, completing dual certification in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. While a resident at Children’s Orthopedic Hospital, Dr. Turley gained extensive experience treating traumatic dental injuries and working with chronically ill children — laying the foundation for a career marked by clinical excellence and innovation.
Professional Experience & Achievements
After completing his training, Dr. Turley returned to Southern California to join the faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry, where he earned tenure and later became Chairman of the Orthodontic Department.
Over his 24-year academic career, he trained generations of specialists and led groundbreaking research in areas like dental implants in orthodontics and early correction of underbites. His work has been published in over 60 scientific journals and has shaped modern orthodontic techniques used worldwide. Dr. Turley is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Past-President of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. He has lectured in more than 30 U.S. states and 20 countries, and has been honored by institutions including the University of Michigan, Indiana University, and UCSF.
Today, he brings his decades of expertise to clinical practice, providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care for both children and adults.
Family & Community
Dr. Turley and his wife, Dr. Patricia Turley — a Pediatric Dentist — share a deep commitment to both dentistry and their community. Together, they’ve raised two sons, Connor and Ryan, and have been active in church, local schools, and charitable outreach. The Turleys regularly donate their time through school screenings and dental education, and support a wide range of organizations including Children’s Hospital, City of Hope, Heal the Bay, and St. Jude. Their passion for helping others is matched by a love for spending time together as a family, especially at the beach.
🌊 Life Outside the Office
A true Southern Californian at heart, Dr. Turley has spent a lifetime enjoying surf, sand, and song. He began surfing and playing beach volleyball in the 1960s, eventually becoming a rated player who won both the California State and National FOVA Championships in 1992. He’s also the lead singer of "Tom Thumb and the Hitchhikers," an oldies band that’s been entertaining crowds across Southern California for more than 30 years. Whether in the office, in the water, or on stage, Dr. Turley brings energy, passion, and dedication to everything he does.