I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. In 1986, my family and I immigrated to the United States, where I studied biochemistry as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

During my sophomore year at UMBC, I began to consider various career options. I knew I wanted a fun and enjoyable profession, while still having autonomy in my work.

While brainstorming, my grandmother said, "We need a dentist in our family." She had recently visited the dentist and was shocked by the treatment she needed and the cost.

I wondered why someone would want to become a dentist. Is fixing teeth fun? I remembered my dentist back in Korea, who never smiled and constantly seemed stressed. I imagined this potential future.

I spent the following year shadowing a local dentist in Baltimore. This experience was drastically different than the one I remembered from Korea. The father and daughter duo created a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere with their patients; I never imagined a dental office could be so cheerful. I realized that dentists do not just fix teeth, but they also create interpersonal relationships, bringing a true smile to people’s faces. This confirmed my decision to pursue dentistry. In 1990, I was accepted to the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry.

I graduated from dental school in 1994 and began practicing at several larger group practices. However, I was shocked as the owners constantly pushed us to conduct more procedures than we could handle. The environment brought me back to the experiences I had with my former dentist in Korea. I spent around five years in this factory-like lifestyle. Ultimately, I decided to create my own small practice, which I had always dreamed of. It was a difficult journey in the beginning, but it was well worth the decision. Now, after 30 years, I have continuously loved my job and am proud to help people improve their oral health. 

I am grateful for and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy golfing, photography, camping, and hiking in my free time.