Dr. Hugh E. Friel DDS, MDS
A native of Whitehall, PA and graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, Dr. Hugh Friel received a B.A. in History (summa cum laude) from the University of Pittsburgh in 1993. While at Pitt, he made the Dean's List for all four years, was elected into Phi Alpha Theta (National History Honor Society) and received the Dean's Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
Dr Friel went on to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1997. During his tenure at Michigan, he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a dental honor society open to students graduating in the top 5% of their dental class. He also received the Dean's Academic Scholarship during his senior year.
Dr. Friel returned to the University of Pittsburgh in 1997 to study Orthodontics at the School of Dental Medicine. He received his certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Dental Science (MDS) in 2000. The highlight of this residency was a summer exchange program at the famed Guys Hospital in London, England.
Upon graduation, Dr. Friel returned to the Lehigh Valley to partner with Dr. Steciw. He is an active member in the following organizations:
- American Dental Association
- Pennsylvania Dental Association
- Lehigh Valley Dental Society
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Pennsylvania Association of Orthodontists
- Middle Atlantic Association of Orthodontists
- Lehigh Valley Orthodontic Society (current treasurer)
- Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontists
Of all facets of Orthodontics, Dr. Friel finds the process of facial growth to be most interesting. "Watching my younger patients mature into young adults never ceases to amaze me," he says. His most satisfying feeling professionally is seeing the results of 1-2 years hard work. "The excitement and exhilaration a patient, be it a child or an adult, feels when they see their smiles for the first time is what I love most about Orthodontics."
Dr. Friel's spare time is devoted to his family; his wife Rochelle, and two boys, Aidan and Ryan. He enjoys hiking and biking, listening to any kind of music, and traveling. He is an avid sports fan with allegiances to anything Pitt or Michigan, and the Phillies, Flyers, and Steelers.
