Why I became a dentist
I entered dental school from the start with the dream of becoming a pediatric dentist.
When I was young, there was a dentist who treated me with great kindness. Because of that, I came to see the dental office not as a scary place but as “a place with warm, caring adults,” and that memory naturally guided me toward pediatric dentistry.
Now, like that dentist, helping children build positive experiences at the dentistI consider this my mission.
Clinical Expertise
As a pediatric dentist, I provide care ranging from infant and toddler checkups, cavity treatment for children and adolescents, and oral hygiene guidance to growth-phase orthodontic consultations.
Even with the same diagnosis, the approach should be completely different. I believe that understanding those differences and designing treatment to fit each child is the true appeal of pediatric dentistry.
Treatment Style
If I were to sum up my treatment style in one sentence
Children notice the emotional steps before the procedural ones. So when I meet a young patient, I start with simple, gentle words to ease their tension, and I always praise even the smallest act of bravery.
Helping a child reach the moment when they feel "I can do this", I believe, is where real care begins.
Treatment Philosophy
There is one principle I value most in care.
Even cavities of the same size call for very different plans depending on age, ability to cooperate, timing of baby-tooth shedding, and stage of growth. So when I make a treatment plan, I consider not only the child’s current status but also their future development as well.
This is not simply treatment; it is also the process of planning a child’s future oral health.
Advice for Parents
I often share two pieces of advice with parents.
First, always floss before bedtime.
Second, reduce the number of snack times (exposure) rather than just the amount.
Many parents don’t realize how much these two habits can change a child’s cavity risk. So at each visit, I explain the reasons clearly and offer practical, personalized guidance each child can follow.
A Moment I Remember Most
My most memorable moments have come from seeing children change.
At first, there was a child so frightened they clung to Mom and could barely get through an exam. But as we built a little rapport at each visit, at some point the child began sitting in the chair on their own and bravely getting through treatment.
On the final day of treatment, that smiling thumbs up has stayed with me. Later, the mother told me, "Even when I try to take my child to another dental clinic, they insist on going only to Seoul BD Dental ." That one comment strengthened my resolve as a pediatric dentist.
Current Interests
Recently, pediatric orthodontics has been my focus of study.
I’m continually exploring what kinds of early interventions can positively influence a child’s future teeth alignment and jaw growth, and how to treat in ways that are safer and less scary.
Personal note
Colleagues describe me as "someone who wonders if there’s a better way and thinks it through once more" they say. I like that. Treating children is always a journey of finding a slightly better way.
Outside of work, taking photos and documenting are my favorites. Capturing children’s rapid growth and everyday moments brings me great joy.