As a dental professional, I have the opportunity to impact a young person’s life in a meaningful way. This is a responsibility I take seriously, every day, striving to make all interactions positive and free of worry.
I work hard to put a smile on each young patient’s face and enjoy educating patients and families to prevent dental diseases. Being able to start a child on a path to achieve and maintain lifelong oral health is very rewarding.
I appreciate being able to alleviate anxiety and pain, and to help patients with special healthcare needs. Supporting families and patients with information and resources, and seeing a child’s dental behavior improve, keeps me energized and excited to help others in the same manner.
~ Dr. Zheng Xu
Education and Experience
Originally from Beijing, China, Dr. Xu graduated from Peking University with her Doctorate of Dental Medicine. After moving to the United States, she completed a pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Connecticut, as well as a doctorate (PhD) in oral biology.
Initially drawn to dentistry as a way to help others in need, Dr. Xu gravitated to the pediatric dentistry specialty out of a love for working with children. She has practiced dentistry since 2006 and finds her career to be fulfilling.
“Working with many team members, families, and patients every day teaches me to be a better listener, to be curious and not judgmental, and to appreciate what each person brings to the conversation. Pediatric patients can be unpredictable, which has taught me to be flexible and to quickly adapt to each child’s needs in order to provide a positive experience.”
Professional Affiliations, Continuing Education, and Activities
Dr. Xu is an active member of the:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Diplomates
- International Association of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Northwest Pediatric Dentistry Study Club
Through these organizations, Dr. Xu has access to numerous avenues of continuing education (CE). Ongoing CE keeps her updated on current knowledge and trends in pediatric dentistry, so her patients benefit from evidence-based treatment recommendations and care. A dedicated lifelong learner, Dr. Xu enjoys taking a range of courses, along with sharing her experience and knowledge to serve the profession.
Dr. Xu is a volunteer examination committee member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a work group member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry dental mission. She previously taught at the University of Connecticut, the University of Texas San Antonio, and the University of Washington, and is frequently an invited speaker and presenter at local, regional, national, and international meetings. She is also published on various pediatric dental topics.
Beyond the Practice
After leaving Beijing and prior to arriving in Seattle, where she has resided for nearly a decade, Dr. Xu lived in New England and Texas. Her family still lives in China and being in Seattle means she is only one flight away from seeing them. Pre-Covid, she visited them several times a year. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.
When she’s not working, Dr. Xu can be found on a local hiking trail, at the gym (the loves Pure Barre!), or traveling. She also enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants, visiting museums and attending Broadway shows, and watching her favorite TV shows.
