A native of Orlando, FL, and an avid sports fan, Dr. Kwak played Division III basketball at Emory University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2005. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry in 2009 and went on to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency with NYU Langone Dentala voluntary postdoctoral residency to provide dental care for underserved populationsat the Kokua Kalihi Valley in Honolulu, HI in 2010. (ALOHA!)
After his General Dentistry residency, Dr. Kwak began practicing family dentistry in Texas and soon discovered his passion for working with children and patients with special health care needs. In his involvement with Give Kids A Smile, a volunteer event for underprivileged children to receive free oral care, he felt compelled to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry and make a positive impact on childrens health. He spent two years at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center in New York City, where he was distinguished by his faculty and fellow doctors to serve as Chief Resident, to receive pediatric dental specialist training.
Upon receiving his specialist certification, Dr. Kwak and his family moved back to Texas and he has since been serving famillies in the Clear Lake, Friendswood, and League City areas of Galveston County. He takes pride in creating a positive dental experience for his patients and their families, and is known for his humor, caring demeanor, patience, and singing spontaneous off-key songs. (Dont be surprised if you hear Buddy starts howling!) His goal as your child's dentist is to empower your family with the care and knowledge to help your child enjoy a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, New York, NY - Chief of Pediatric Dentistry Residency Lutheran Medical Center at Kokua Kalihi Valley, Honolulu, HI - Advanced Education in General Dentistry New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY - Doctorate of Dental Surgery Emory University, Atlanta, GA - Bachelor of Science, Biology
Buddy Astro is our hypoallergenic goldendoodle comfort companion who is a certified therapy dog. He puts our patients at ease with his friendly interactions and makes their dental visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible. He is also loved by parents for his calm, stress-reducing presence. He will make your child's visit with us even more fun and enjoyable. Please follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more pictures and videos of Buddy Astro!
Severalstudies have found that being in the presence of a companion animal is associated with improvements in mental, social and physiologic health status. Because of their ability to reduce anxiety and stress, along with comforting people, therapy dogs are used in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and dental practices.
We completely understand your concern about keeping things clean and sterile with a dog in the office, and we do stay extra vigilant about office hygiene and infection control. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence to suggest that animals pose a more significant risk of transmitting infection than people; therefore, dogs do not have to be excluded from such areas. However, it is important to consider your comfort level with dogs and the type of procedure that is being completed. Your family and Dr. Kwak can discuss and decide if Buddy can accompany during your childs visit.
As a boutique pediatric dental practice, we wanted our office to reflect our fun personality. Our space is designed to look and feel more familiar and inviting to our young patients than the traditional clinical designs of many dental offices. It is not uncommon to have parents beg our patients to leave the office after their visit!
In our waiting room, we have a coffe bar and a dedicated play area that is equipped with a play kitchen, Nintendo Switch, chalkboard wall, books, toys, and movies. Our families love our kid-friendly waiting area!
While most dental offices have an open bay structure where the clinical area is open and shared by several families, all our operatories are private rooms to ensure your family's privacy. Each room is set up to give a comfortable and enjoyable patient experience with multiple TVs for entertainmentwe even have TVs mounted in the ceiling!
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 733 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNatashia Stafford
a year ago
I just loved this place for my daughter. They were so kind to her and made her feel comfortable. I am amazed at how well they are with kids. my daughter had a smile on the whole time we were there.
Heather Wisnieski
a year ago
My son loves this dentist. Everyone including the front desk staff are wonderful. The best part is when the Therapy dog comes in to see the kids. I wish I could come here as an adult!
Autumn Pever
a year ago
They were so kind and patient. Great staff.
Lindsey Davis
a year ago
The absolute best! Every staff member is great with kids, Dr Kwak is patient and so fun, and Buddy dog is always a hit! My son LOVES to go to the dentist because of the TVs during his cleaning, giving Buddy dog treats, and the toy dispenser at the end of each visit.
Ashley Miller
a year ago
Best dentist ever. The entire staff also goes above and beyond to answer questions and make your children happy.
Evelyn Gonzalez
a year ago
Great people and so patient and friendly. I recommend Dr. Kwak to anyone who asks for suggestions for a pediatric dentist.
Hannah Vreeland
a year ago
Seriously love this place! Everyone is super friendly and my son felt so at ease!
Karla Carmona
a year ago
I brought my daughter here for her first dental visit and we had a great experience. No long wait times, office was clean and welcoming and very kid appropriate. The whole staff worked well together. From the minute we checked in to the minute we left it was smiles all around from every staff member including Buddy. My daughter did not want to leave. We can't wait to be back for her follow up visit!
Judith Bailey
a year ago
Fabulous office staff and overall experience!!!
miriam tovar
a year ago
This was our first time there, and we were delightfully surprised with the level of care we received. Great, friendly staff that was so helpful! The clinic is very clean and has plenty of room for kids to play while they wait. Although, we didn't have to wait long at all...that was my favorite part! Buddy is such a sweet surprise too...my daughter felt so at ease.
Danielle Allen
a year ago
Excellent experience! I can't say enough good things!! Everyone was very kind and patient! So happy to have found such a wonderful dentist!
Natalie Vasek
a year ago
Dr. Kwak is truly an amazing person. He and his whole staff are so kind and professional. Since coming here, my oldest has gotten over her fears of the dentist and looks forward to her check ups. Buddy is the cherry on top of the wonderful experience when we visit. He is great with the kids and always makes his way over to love on me. It's like he knows when mom has had a stressful day. The facility is always very clean and the waiting room is equipped with video games and a TV in each room. Kids can pick a movie, sit back, and relax during their appointment. I can not recommend a better pediatric dentist. Wish I could get my cleanings done here!
Chris Dowdy
a year ago
Dr and staff are very nice. Dr explained things at a non Dr level. Thank you!
Christa TeBeest
a year ago
Our experience with Dr. Kwak, his staff and the pediatric anesthesiologists was wonderful! They made my (really anxious) son feel so comfortable and he is finally not scared of going to the dentist anymore. I highly recommend Dr. Kwak!
Brandea Hegner
a year ago
Such an amazing practice with friendly, knowledgeable, and patient staff. Dr. Kwak is truly one of the BEST dentists I've ever encountered! Thank you all for making my children comfortable and providing them with the greatest experience EVER!
Danielle Dougherty
a year ago
Super friendly staff that really care about the experience for all involved! They explained everything about the visit and what to expect at next one. I love that the waiting room is meant for kids with activities for all ages! Love that they have a therapy dog!!
stephanie cortez
a year ago
Dr. Kwak and his team are professional and have amazing bed side manner! So happy to take my children here.
Brandi Fisher
a year ago
My kids love coming here. The staff is amazing.
Julie Crochet
a year ago
My kids actually enjoyed the dentist today! Great place, super friendly staff, kind very helpful dentist. He was very patient with all my questions and helped me feel at ease about my sons dental needs.
kristi Waite
a year ago
An excellent experience with Dr. Kwak! My son HATES loud noises like the blender and vacuum. I was so worried about our first dental appointment but Dr. Kwak was so great and his staff was so friendly and kind. Far exceeded my expectations and I'm so happy we have a great first dentist appointment!
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