Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Diana-Beatrix Velicu Gardner.
Hi Dr. Diana-Beatrix, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story has never followed a straight line—and that’s something I’ve learned to embrace.
I was born and raised in Romania, where I spent much of my childhood as a competitive alpine skier. I eventually became a six-time national champion and represented my country at the highest levels of the sport, making it all the way to Junior Olympics in 2009. Skiing taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure—lessons that would later shape me far beyond athletics.
My curiosity for science led me down a parallel path. I became deeply interested in medicine and research, and that drive ultimately brought me to the United States in 2018 to pursue advanced education. I completed my orthodontic residency and a master’s degree at UCLA, where I also had the opportunity to participate in NASA-affiliated research. That experience reinforced my belief that precision, innovation, and critical thinking can coexist beautifully with artistry and human connection.
After graduating, I began practicing orthodontics in Texas in 2021. As an immigrant physician, building a career from the ground up came with challenges—but also with an incredible sense of purpose. I was intentional about learning not just the clinical side of orthodontics, but also leadership, communication, and the business of healthcare. I wanted to build something meaningful, not just successful.
That vision came to life with LVL Orthodontics in University Park, Dallas. I took over an existing practice and reimagined it from the inside out—expanding access, elevating the patient experience, and creating a space that feels modern, personal, and empowering. LVL Orthodontics is rooted in the idea of “leveling up”—not just smiles, but confidence, self-expression, and the way patients feel when they walk out the door.
Today, I’m grateful to serve a diverse community of patients of all ages while also being involved at a leadership level within organized orthodontics in Texas and United States. Looking back, every chapter—from competitive skiing to immigration, research, and clinical practice—has shaped the way I lead and care for people. LVL Orthodontics is more than a practice to me; it’s the culmination of a journey defined by ambition, adaptability, and a deep belief in growth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road—and I don’t think it was meant to be.
Immigrating to the United States and building a professional life from scratch was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. There’s the obvious part—licensing, visas, financial pressure—but also the quieter struggles: starting over without a built-in network, learning a new system, and constantly having to prove yourself in rooms where you’re new and often underestimated. As an immigrant physician, there’s very little margin for error, and that pressure forces you to grow quickly.
Professionally, one of the hardest transitions was moving from being a highly trained clinician to also becoming a business owner and leader. Dental school and residency prepare you to treat patients exceptionally well, but they don’t teach you how to run a practice, build a team, or make tough decisions that affect people’s livelihoods. Taking over LVL Orthodontics meant navigating uncertainty, restructuring systems, and earning trust—from patients, staff, and the community—while still holding myself to the highest clinical standards.
There were also personal challenges. Letting go of a life defined by elite athletics and reinventing myself in a completely different field required a shift in identity. I had to learn that success doesn’t always look like winning medals—it can also look like consistency, patience, and long-term impact.
Looking back, the obstacles were essential. Every challenge sharpened my resilience, my empathy, and my leadership style. The road wasn’t smooth, but it was purposeful—and it’s exactly what shaped the way I practice today: with humility, intention, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LVL Orthodontics is a modern orthodontic practice in Highland Park, Dallas, but at its core, it’s really about people. We provide comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, treating everything from early orthodontic needs to complex bite and alignment cases, as well as adult orthodontics for patients who want results that are both functional and aesthetic.
What people often notice first is that LVL feels different. We’ve intentionally created a space that’s calm, welcoming, and personal—because orthodontic treatment is a long journey, and how patients feel along the way truly matters. I’m very hands-on with every case, and I spend a lot of time educating patients and families so they feel confident in their decisions, not rushed or overwhelmed.
I think what really sets us apart is the balance between precision and connection. I have a strong background in research and complex case management, but I also believe that great orthodontic care requires listening, empathy, and trust. We use advanced digital technology to plan treatments carefully and efficiently, but we never lose sight of the individual sitting in the chair.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built. LVL Orthodontics is rooted in the idea of “leveling up”—not just smiles, but confidence and self-belief. Patients often tell us they feel genuinely cared for here, and that’s something I value deeply. Many of our patients come through word-of-mouth, which to me is the strongest validation of what we’re doing.
What I want readers to know is that LVL Orthodontics isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about meeting patients where they are and guiding them through a transformation that’s both visible and personal. For me, the practice is a reflection of my own journey: intentional, resilient, and always evolving.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m very aware that I didn’t get here on my own, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have supported me along the way.
First and foremost, my parents deserve the greatest credit. They believed in me long before there was any evidence that this path would work. From supporting my education to encouraging me to leave my home country and pursue bigger opportunities, they gave me both the foundation and the courage to keep going when the road felt uncertain. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in me are at the core of everything I’ve built.
My husband has also played a major role, especially in the growth of LVL Orthodontics. He brings a business-minded perspective that complements my clinical background, and he’s been an incredible sounding board for strategic decisions, long-term planning, and day-to-day challenges. Having someone who truly understands the vision and is invested in the success of the practice has been invaluable.
I’ve also been shaped by exceptional mentors, professors, and colleagues throughout my training and career. Many of them I still speak with regularly, and we continue to discuss cases, share insights, and challenge each other professionally. That ongoing collaboration keeps me learning and grounded, and it’s a reminder that excellence in healthcare is never a solo effort.
Finally, I’m deeply thankful for the referring doctors who have entrusted us with their patients. That trust means everything. Collaboration with general dentists and specialists allows us to provide better, more thoughtful care, and it’s something I never take for granted. Their confidence in our work has played a meaningful role in the growth and reputation of LVL Orthodontics.
At every stage of this journey, I’ve been supported by people who believed in me, challenged me, and stood beside me—and that collective effort is woven into the success of the practice today.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lvlortho.com
- Instagram: @lvlorthodontics
- Facebook: LVL Orthodontics – Dr. Diana B. Velicu Gardner
