Born in the suburbs of New Jersey, moved to Taipei, Taiwan in fifth grade and then returned to New York City for higher education, Dr. Woo has always enjoyed cultural diversity, meeting new people and taking on new challenges. Dr. Woo studied Biology at Columbia University Columbia College for her bachelors degree, and then continued at Columbia University for both her dental school and specialty training in orthodontics, earning her DDS and Masters of Science degree.
Dr. Woo was selected as one of seven residents out of hundreds of applicants to the prestigious three year orthodontics program at Columbia University. She was trained in conventional straight wire, Invisalign, Damon, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), and multi-disciplinary techniques, among others. She has treated a great variety of difficult cases, including severe open bite, Class II, Class III, and surgical cases.
Dr. Woo enjoys the unique patients she encounters every day and tries to find individualized and creative ways to achieve the best smiles in the most efficient way. She loves making new connections with new patients and their families and finds great satisfaction with her line of work as an orthodontist. Her patients are her utmost priority and she strives to make treatment as comfortable as possible in a friendly and fun environment.
Dr. Woo is a American Board of Orthodontics certified orthodontist (please see below for explanation of Board Certification). Dr. Woo is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, North Eastern Society of Orthodontics, and the Bronx County Dental Society. In her spare time, she loves to discover new restaurants, enjoys a good outdoor workout, and cooking up a good meal for friends and family.
At Riverdale Family Orthodontics, we are strong believers in the power of teamwork. Our patients benefit from a relationship with Dr. Sam Polan of Tuckahoe Family Orthodontics. Dr. Woo and Dr. Polan are friends and partners who have five Ivy League degrees between them. Together, their expertise means patients receive the best and most comprehensive treatment available anywhere.
Dr. Woo is also very proud and humbled to have been awarded the 2017 Best of the Bronx Award for orthodontic practices. Dr. Woo and her staff are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, and the Best of the Bronx designation proves their commitment is recognized by their patients, which makes it the best recognition Dr. Woo could receive.
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to complete Board Certification. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process signifies a unique achievement a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.
Dr. Sam Polan is passionate about helping patients realize their best smiles. His office provides a relaxed and fun atmosphere that allows patients to immediately feel comfortable, while still offering the highest level of orthodontic treatment available.
Dr. Polan is originally from New Rochelle, where he attended public school from kindergarten through high school. He loves being able to serve patients in his own community. He is a lifelong Yankees fan, and loves spending his spare time outdoors, as well as trying new foods and places, and studying languages.
He graduated with his B.S. in Biology from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He then attended Columbia, where he earned both his D.D.S. and his M.S. in Orthodontics. Dr. Polan is very proud of his time at Columbia, during which he helped lead the student-run free dental clinic, providing dental care for those in need. He also traveled in a community dental van to provide dental exams and treatment to area schools in underserved communities.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 139 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJessica Nelson
2 years ago
We love the doctors as well as all of the staff at both offices! Lovely people, reasonable prices, and top notch work!
Simone Salamon
2 years ago
Dr. Woo is wonderful! I came to her for Invisalign, never having had orthodontic treatment before. I am very pleased with the results so far. She is very professional, kind and explains the process every step of the way. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Amauris Martinez
2 years ago
I highly recommend Riverdale Family Orthodontics. Dr. Woo took her time to explained me the whole process. Cozy office with very friendly staff.
Jannely Almonte Ortiz
2 years ago
Dr. Woo is wonderful! She's patient and takes her time explaining and answering questions. I would recommend her to any family, especially those looking for someone who is able to work with their more nervous/anxious children.
S Richardson
2 years ago
Great first visit. Office staff is great and professional. Dr. Woo is very informative.
Jennifer Sosa
2 years ago
All 3 of my children are patients of Dr. Woo and it has been such an incredible experience. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. They all make the process so easy and hassle free. We would highly recommend Riverdale Family Orthodontics
Leighann Scara
2 years ago
I'm glad that I found Dr. Woo and her team to help me along with my adult Ortho journey. I'm nearly done with braces, and throughout these past 2.5 years, I've felt thoroughly confident with Dr. Woo's decision making, for my unique case. She listens. She's thorough. She's kind. She works with you and your concerns- truly a great doctor- I wish all of my practitioners had the same qualities.
Milica Boskovic
2 years ago
Great orthodontist office! My son really likes everyone here. Everyone is very nice and very professional. They give good information to parents. Are happy to give payment options. And his teeth are looking great!
D Booker
2 years ago
Riverdale Family Orthodontist are phenomenal. They make the process, comfortable, affordable and informative. They answer all your questions and they do not try to rush you out the door to get to the next patient.
debrah r
2 years ago
I got my braces from here and i love the service it's amazing making my smile better
Shanaya Lavon
2 years ago
Dr. Woo and her team are professional, organized, the office is impeccably clean and well lit. I feel safe receiving my ortho care here in the midst of the pandemic. Wait times are minimal to none. Customer service is amazing. I highly recommend!!! Update: I'm near the end of my treatment, I'm so impressed w/ the quality of care here- if my sons have inherited my crooked/crowded smile, I'll be back! (My daughter has a perfect bite-blessed!) Dr. Woo has been meticulous, precise, and quite gentle "surgeon-esque" in her approach, she's knowledgeable and happy to teach along the way, my fave is the continuity of care that I've received - I didn't have 3 different Drs tinkering with my pearly whites... 5 stars hands down!
Marina Huth
2 years ago
Dr. Woo and her staffs are amazing, professional, and friendly. I always feel welcomed the minute I step into their office. I love the service and I also loved that Dr. Woo was very informative about what to expect throughout the process since my first day here. I am so happy that I chose Riverdale Family Orthodontics!
Venessa
2 years ago
Excellent work from Dr. Woo and her staff, they are very friendly and always has a smile on their face. The office is extremely clean and the atmosphere is great. Always a great visit! :)
Monica Nebelkopf
2 years ago
Clean, very friendly staff, helpful. Excellent service and I strongly recommend Doctor Woo.
Meri Smith
2 years ago
Wonderful quick service. The staff is very friendly and kind to each of their patients and makes sure you're comfortable throughout the process. I'm loving my time here.
Evelyn Fernandez-Ketcham
2 years ago
My daughters and I are happy customers
Victoria Martens
2 years ago
wonderful practice, lovely people.
Augie the Argie
2 years ago
Very professionally run!
Jose Llamas
2 years ago
Dr. Polan and his team were fantastic during my daughter's dental treatment. I'm very happy with the services provided by him and his staff and I highly recommend everyone to consider going with him for your kids orthodontist needs. Thank you Dr. Polan!!!! Jose Llamas
Jennifer Herencia
2 years ago
We had a great experience and my son's teeth look beautiful. Dr. Woo is pleasant and professional. The staff is friendly too.
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