Meet Dr. Joy Lua
Dr. Joy Lua was born and raised in the Philippines. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of the Philippines in 1985. She moved to the United States a year later to further her dental education. Her keen interest in both the clinical and technical aspects of Prosthodontics brought her to Illinois where she obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Laboratory Technology and then to the Land of 10,000 Lakes in 1988 where she began her specialty training in Prosthodontics at the University of Minnesota. Shortly after her first year of residency, she was offered a full-time faculty position in the Division of Prosthodontics of the U of MN. She obtained her Master of Science degree in 1991. Dr. Lua stayed on as a faculty member at the dental school and shortly became the course director for Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics (Crown and Bridge). She maintained a part-time private practice while teaching and although she enjoyed mentoring students tremendously, Dr. Lua followed her calling for clinical practice and started her full-time practice in 2000. In 2004, Drs. Lua and Clay established the Center for Prosthodontic Care at the Southdale Medical Center.
Dr. Lua has called Minnesota her home for the last 3 decades but has returned to the Philippines on several occasions to provide dental care to indigent Filipinos. She led a number of dental mission trips to the Philippines. She recruited University of Minnesota faculty members and dental students, volunteer surgeons and dental assistants from Minnesota to work alongside Philippine dentists to serve more than 2500 marginalized Filipinos from remote rural areas. She has also participated in the Minnesota Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy.
Dr. Lua continues to enjoy serving her patients and is committed to providing them with superior comprehensive and integrative dental care.
Dr. Lua lives in Eden Prairie with her two micro Goldendoodles, Chio and Koji. She enjoys hanging out with her pups and teaching them various tricks. They entertain her patients, friends and family tremendously. Travel, golf and cooking are Dr. Lua’s other passions.
Patient Reviews
Find out what some of Dr. Joy Lua’s patients have to say.
Holly N.
Being a highly nervous patient about going to the dentist for most of my life, I had the very good fortune to be referred to Dr. Joy Lua several years ago. I needed quite extensive work done on most of my teeth, and, needless to say, I was terrified. When I first met Dr. Lua, she put me immediately at ease, and over the course of the year it took to do the work, I went from a three-tissue visit (from the tears) to practically jumping into the chair smiling happily to be back under her capable hands. Dr. Lua is quite a perfectionist, which, by the way, is a most desirable trait to have in one’s prosthodontist! My teeth, now several years later, are still gorgeous and I can hardly believe my luck to have met her. If that’s not enough, I also became very fond of Dr. Lua’s chair assistant, Ann, whose calm demeanor and gentle voice made each visit increasingly easy for me. She, too, is a master of her craft and it’s quite amazing to watch she and Dr. Lua as they work together almost telepathically! Next, is the hygienist, Araceli, who capably keeps my teeth so lovely. She, too, has a soft touch and gentle demeanor, both adding to my experience being so pleasant. Finally, but certainly not least, is Jennifer, the delightful receptionist, who, I’m sure, is actually much more than her role suggests. Her smiling face welcomes the patients into her domain, and I highly suspect that she actually runs the place! My heartfelt thanks to all of you for making my necessary visits so wonderful!
Wendi S.
Dr. Lua is an excellent prosthodontist who has been taking care of my dental needs for 15+ years. More recently, this included a full mouth restoration of crowns, implants and a bridge. This required extraordinary skill and attentive patient care over an intense two-year period. Thanks to Dr. Lua, the result is that I have a beautiful and natural smile with full function and comfort.
I have total confidence in Dr. Lua and appreciate her dedication and experience. She has given of herself immeasurably to provide me the highest quality dental care.
Kathy S.
Dr. Joy Lua has been our family dentist for eighteen years. We all have the deepest respect and trust in Dr. Lua, her work, and her team. Dr. Lua surrounds herself with competent people (Ann, Jennifer, Araceli) who all provide excellent care. She has rescued us in emergency situations by changing her schedule and making herself available at all hours. Dr. Lua is a perfectionist as a dentist, cares deeply about her patients, and has always provided the best dental care for our entire family. We are as committed to her as she is to us!
Paul S.
Good dental care has always been important to me. As a child, I took great pride in having good reports from the dentist. I am now 71, and the value of good dental hygiene has only increased as an essential part of my healthcare. I’ve found Dr. Lua to provide a unique level of care, combining great dental knowledge and technique together with a patient and caring concern for my dental health.
In my experience, Dr. Lua meets the very highest standards of excellence in prosthodontic care. I feel fortunate to be her patient.