Dr. Leonard Yee, DDS '85
Born in British Hong Kong, Dr. Leonard Yee immigrated to the United States with his family in 1977 at the age of 20. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1981 and went on to receive his DDS from the University at Buffalo in 1985. While in dental school, Dr. Yee was nominated to the National Dean’s List during his second year and received the William Tucker Scholarship in his third year of study. He remains deeply grateful to Dr. John Cunat, then chair of the Department of Orthodontics, who graciously granted him unconditional orthodontic treatment to correct a Class II malocclusion. Dr. Yee also expresses heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated faculty and staff who tirelessly guided him through the curriculum.
Following graduation, Dr. Yee spent six years providing dental care in underserved communities throughout the New York, New Jersey regions. He later opened his own office in Piscataway, New Jersey. In 1992, he was nominated for Who’s Who Among Rising Young Americans in recognition of his professional achievement. He has also been named New Jersey Top Dentist for more than ten years. Dr. Yee is a life member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the Middlesex County Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
A strong believer in giving back, Dr. Yee helped establish the Thomas Labenski Scholarship Fund at the University at Buffalo in 1996. He also supported the Operatory Chairs Project in 2022 and 2024. In 2025, he furthered his commitment to supporting future dental professionals by establishing the Leonard Yee, DDS ’85 Scholarship. He is also a longtime supporter of The Smile Train, an organization dedicated to providing free cleft repair surgery to children around the world so they can lead a normal life.
Like many first-generation immigrants, Dr. Yee holds a deep belief that success comes from hard work and perseverance—values he brings to his practice every day. He and his wife, Louisa, have one son, Kyle. In his free time, Dr. Yee enjoys relaxing at the family’s shore home in Cape May, New Jersey.