Dr. Len Ellis, orthodontist in Mount Laurel, NJ, is the founder and lead orthodontist of Ellis Orthodontics, the orthodontic specialist NJ families have trusted for nearly three decades. Around town, he’s better known by another name: the “Hockey Doc” — a nod to a hockey career that took him from Division I college hockey to the professional ranks in Europe before he ever put on a white coat.
Dr. Ellis grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, but adopted South Jersey as his home as a teenager — and it’s where he chose to build his career. He earned his dental degree and completed his orthodontic residency at the New York University College of Dentistry, later joining NYU’s faculty to help train the next generation of orthodontists.
What drew him to orthodontics in the first place? His own teenage orthodontist. “He was the happiest guy in the world, and it was hard to not notice that,” Dr. Ellis has said of the experience that set him on this path.
In 1997, Dr. Ellis started Ellis Orthodontics from scratch in the Marlton/Mount Laurel area. What began as a single doctor with a chair has grown into a practice with a 5.0-star average across 250 Google reviews — but his approach to patient care hasn’t changed. “Treat patients like family. That’s how I feel, so that’s what I do,” he says. It’s the same team-first mentality he brought to the ice, whether he was playing Division I college hockey, competing professionally in Europe, or lacing up today with the Flyers Alumni team.
As a Premier Platinum Provider for Invisalign® clear aligners, Dr. Ellis is recognized among the most experienced Invisalign providers in the region — a distinction earned through case volume and outcomes, not marketing. It’s one reason Ellis Orthodontics consistently ranks as a top local choice for families searching for an experienced Mount Laurel orthodontist.
Recognition has followed the relationships he’s built: Dr. Ellis has been voted a top orthodontist in SJ Magazine and South Jersey Magazine every year since 2007, and he received NYU’s Class of ’49 Hyman J. Schorr award — given “for sincerity and helpfulness” — along with a President’s Service Award for leadership in the field.
Outside the office, Dr. Ellis stays close to the Mount Laurel community he serves:
- Runs a mentoring program for local teens interested in pursuing careers in orthodontics
- Supports charities focused on cancer research, autism awareness, and education
- Shows up for patients’ sports teams and community activities around Mount Laurel
- Returns each year as a hockey counselor for the Philadelphia Flyers summer camps
At home, Dr. Ellis lives in Marlton with his wife Rita — married 20 years — and their two sons, Jack and Luke. Between skiing, golfing, and coaching his sons’ hockey and lacrosse teams, he brings the same authenticity home that patients see in the chair: “I’m always myself, and hopefully that translates to being relatable.”
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one of the most important factors in choosing an orthodontist is confirming they’re an orthodontic specialist with the training to design a treatment plan around your individual needs — exactly the standard Dr. Ellis has built his practice on since 1997.
Credentials of an Orthodontic Specialist in Mount Laurel, NJ
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and orthodontic residency, New York University College of Dentistry
Faculty member, NYU College of Dentistry
Premier Platinum Provider for Invisalign®
President’s Service Award for leadership
NYU Class of ’49 Hyman J. Schorr Award (“for sincerity and helpfulness”)
Voted a top orthodontist in SJ Magazine/South Jersey Magazine every year since 2007
Division I college hockey player; professional hockey player in Europe; Flyers Alumni team
Reviews for Our Lead Orthodontist: Ellis Orthodontics Patients Speak
★★★★★
“I recently scheduled a consultation for my son, and I was truly impressed every step of the way! I submitted interest using the online form over the weekend and I received a call first thing on a Monday morning- very quick response time! Every single person I came in contact with in the office was welcoming and friendly! Dr. Ellis made my son feel at ease before even looking in his mouth. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend this orthodontist!”
— Christina D. —
★★★★★
“I have had 4 kids go through orthodontics with Dr. Ellis and I have one more to go. We will not go anywhere else. His interactions with kids and his approach with treatment is unmatched.”
— Jennifer O. —
★★★★★
“Dr. Ellis and his staff are amazing! Dr. Ellis is very thorough, funny, and makes you feel at ease. ALL of his staff members are very friendly and kind. They genuinely care and make you feel comfortable.”
— Kristina S. —
Ready to meet Dr. Ellis in person?
Start with a free consultation — no referral needed — and find out what he’d recommend for your smile.