My biggest joy is to see the beautiful smiles of my patients and watch their self-esteem grow as their teeth become straighter. I also enjoy personally getting to know each and every one of my patients and spend time with them to really understand their specific concerns and needs. I do not have a big family, so I always feel as though my patients are part of my Plaza Orthodontics family as we travel through the journey of building a beautiful smile together.
My family is originally from South Korea, but I grew up in China. I have completed my dental education at The Fourth Military Medical University in Xian, China as an honor student. I worked as a clinical assistant professor in the same university for two years upon graduation and I spent another five years in the same university to earn my PhD degree in prosthodontics. Thereafter, I came to the United States as a research assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Following three years of research at UIC on mechanical properties of dental composite materials, I decided to go back to my clinical practice and spent another three years at UIC to receive my Masters degree and certificate in orthodontics. Even though I have spent many years at school, I still enjoy going to continuing education courses to stay on top of cutting-edge technologies.
I feel lucky to have found a profession that I love and that I am passionate about. As an orthodontist, I find that I not only straighten my patients teeth, but I change their lives as well. I see each one of my patients is an individual and enjoy meeting their unique needs by creating a new, beautiful smile.
I received my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Albertus Magnus College. I also carried high honors at the University of Connecticut where I earned my Doctorate of Dental Medicine. After practicing as a general dentist for six years and teaching, I returned to the University of Connecticut for my post-doctoral Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Dental Science degree.
I believe in continually advancing my education so that I can offer my patients the best possible care and results. As a member of several professional organizations, I am able to keep up-to-date on the latest technology and treatment options. I am active in the American Association ofOrthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Association, and the Illinois Society of Orthodontists.
I am fortunate to work with a fabulous team, made up of staff members who are knowledgeable and highly trained in delivering patient-focused orthodontic care. Our patients can tell that our team truly loves what they do and enjoys making each patients experience excellent.
I cannot fully explain the excitement orthodontics has brought into my life during my career. I enjoyed the challenge of combining both art and science in treatment planning and bringing it to the ultimate conclusion, a beautiful smile and delighted patient. I considered each patient to be a partner with me in creating their new smile and was never satisfied until I saw a happy, confident face leave my office.
I attendedNorthwestern Universityfor my undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education and completed my General Residency program at Evanston Hospital. My love of my profession drove me to constantly continue my education. Be it study club participation in pilot programs or attending professional seminars, all these sources ultimately served the needs of my patients.
I am a native of Decatur, IL, and my wife and I have lived in Northfield for the past 33 years. I have three children and fivewonderful grandchildren. Now that I have more free time in my retirement, I enjoy gardening, woodworking, reading, fishing, and playing golf.
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
I have been an orthodontic assistant for nearly 20 years, and I love my job because of the relationships we get to build and the transformations we get to witness firsthand. Some patients start off shy and conscious of their smile, but the day they get their braces off they are a different person from when they first started! I love being on that journey with them!
