A native of Whitehall 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 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 Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1997. During his studies at Michigan, he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), a dental honor society for students who graduate in the top five percent 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. 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)
- MOM-N-PA
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 to see the results of one to two years of 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.
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Dr. Friel’s orthodontic offices in Macungie and Whitehall serve Allentown, Emmaus, Northampton, and Orefield. Request an appointment online or contact us today to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist!
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