What is your favorite thing about your career?
My profession as a dentist gives me the unique opportunity to work with individuals of all ages and form long-term relationships with them. My favorite aspect of this career is that I can help my patients feel confident in their smiles which positively affects their self-esteem.
What is your “why”?
Being a dentist and practice owner allows me to connect with people in my own community, and increase access to dental care. In this role, I can effectively educate my patients about oral health and hygiene practices, and play a role in the prevention of gum and dental diseases.
What makes you and/or your practice unique?
My practice is unique because we have many multigenerational groups of patients. There are individuals who have been our patients when they were young professionals, and their children later came to us. Those kids are now grown adults with their own families, and many of them have their own grandchildren! It is special to see families grow with us and hear about all of their life’s happenings between their dental appointments.
What one word would you use to describe yourself?
Committed - Everything I do, I stay committed to it.
What other passions do you have outside of your job?
I enjoy spending my time dancing and hiking. I also love to travel to experience local cultures both within the US and internationally.
How long have you been in this community?
I have been in this community since I was 3 years old. I grew up in Yorba Linda, and spent much of my childhood in the city of Orange and surrounding areas. I volunteered in my high school years at hospitals in Orange and the Orange Street Fair! I went on to complete my undergraduate studies at UCLA and continued on at UCLA for dental school. It is full circle to come back to practice in Orange County right where it all began!
What is your favorite thing about this community?
This community is so special because of how tight-knit it is. It is incredible to see how many people are involved with their neighborhoods, their children’s schools, and local businesses. I love to see how supportive families are of local events and are committed to introducing their peers to their favorite businesses in town.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered by my effort to treat each patient as an individual, hear their concerns, and manage their dental health, all while ensuring they feel comfortable in our office. I will continue to practice ethical dentistry where I will remain honest with my patients about my treatment recommendations only when necessary, and always encourage healthy dental and oral health practices.
What else should we know about you, your family, your background?
I recently got married, and am closing on a home! My wife and I are excited to put down roots for our family in Orange County and have our future children grow up here in the heart of Orange.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
My advice would be to appreciate each phase of life for the experiences that come with it because you never know when each moment will be the last of its kind. For example, enjoy the high school years and time with your friends there because you will likely never all be classmates ever again. Work hard towards your dreams but remember that in the past, you likely dreamed of being where you are now.
