Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Kim.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Since graduating from Tufts School of Dental Medicine, I worked as a general dentist in a variety of clinical settings. I served as a National Health Service Corps member in community health centers; provided general dentistry in group and private practices; and also worked part-time providing mobile dentistry to children in schools and the elderly in Assisted Living facilities. My practice and philosophy of dentistry was shaped by all of these experiences and the people that I met along the way, and I knew that someday I would want to create something of my own to reflect this. While working as an associate dentist, I constantly thought about how I wanted to practice dentistry; the pros and cons of being my own boss; and when I would ever be ready to take that leap.
Then in the summer of 2015, a cancer diagnosis interrupted my career and set me back in my goal for the next eight months. While being treated as a patient, the care that I received really impressed upon me the profound impact that healthcare professionals have on a patient. It greatly reinforced my sense of responsibility towards my own patients as an educator and advocate for their oral health, as well as highlighted the significance of tailoring treatment for the individual patient. Some of my treatment put my ability to practice dentistry at risk; but with highly skilled doctors who focused on my concerns and with regular physical therapy, my dexterity returned and I was more than eager to get back to practicing dentistry.
Upon returning to work, an opportunity presented itself to purchase a small dental practice in Quincy. Timing may not have seemed ideal, but the experience of getting through my health challenge re-awakened my desire to build something where I could have a greater impact and regain a sense of control. Ironically, I realized that being a business owner often meant dealing with factors out of my control, but this was a challenge that I was excited to take on. So on November 17, 2016, Sarah Kim, DMD, PC was born in North Quincy, and I officially became my own boss.
I truly enjoy being a practice owner who can provide the kind of individualized care and attention to my patients that I would expect for myself. The first adjunct to treatment that I incorporated at no additional cost to my patients was the use of an Oral ID fluorescent light during oral cancer screenings (at every dental exam). For me, this is the biggest advantage of practice ownership: the freedom to implement new ways to help improve the health of my patients.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
From my experience, the most challenging thing about taking over an existing practice, and essentially creating a new business, is trying to build the right team and forming my own identity in the community. I strongly believe that when your employees believe in and support your mission, they create an environment that fosters success. I’m so grateful to work with my amazing team of professionals who truly enjoy working together and take pride in the service we provide and the work that we do.
Sarah Kim, DMD – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Sarah Kim, DMD, PC, we offer general dentistry for all ages, focusing on preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We strive to give patients a more relaxed experience in the dental chair by doing our best to provide gentle and painless dentistry. We often try to help patients work through their dental fears without the use of medication by guiding them step-by-step through the process, even if that means allotting extra time for the appointment. I’m proud of my staff and their commitment to helping me provide individualized care for each patient.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I would consider it a success if I could fill every working day providing quality dentistry and keeping my patients happy and coming back. Like most people, I would love to earn a living enjoying what I do and feel like I’m making a long-lasting difference in my community.
Pricing:
- Summer special on Zoom in-office whitening (Reg. Price $400): $300 – $50 mail-in rebate = $250. Through August 31, 2017.
Contact Info:
- Address: 350 Hancock Street, Suite 1
Quincy, MA 02171 - Website: sarahkimthedentist.com
- Phone: 617-471-5255
- Email: dmdsarahkim@gmail.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sarahkimthedentist
- Yelp: Sarah Kim, DMD, PC
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