We were lucky to catch up with Airy Choi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Airy , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
From a young age, I possessed an innate desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This passion, coupled with my love for artistry and working with my hands, led me on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately revealed my true purpose. It was during my time as a dental assistant, after completing my undergraduate studies, that I experienced a profound realization – dentistry was my calling. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and I understood that my childhood fascination with dental visits was not merely a passing interest, but a genuine connection to the field.
After graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in May of 2020, I embarked on my professional journey, eager to make a difference in the lives of my patients. However, my path took an unexpected turn as I found myself working in corporate dentistry for over a year and a half. It was during this time that I came to the realization that this was not the dentistry I had envisioned for myself. I yearned for a more personalized approach, one that allowed me to utilize the advancements in dental technology to provide the highest quality of care to my patients.
Motivated by this desire, I made the decision to transition to a private practice. However, I soon discovered that the office I joined lacked the modern tools and technologies necessary to deliver the level of care I aspired to provide. Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of dentistry, I understood that it was my duty as an oral healthcare provider to stay at the forefront of advancements and offer my patients the best possible treatment options.
Driven by this realization, I made the bold decision to open my own practice, where I could combine the nostalgic experiences I cherished as a child with the cutting-edge advancements in dental technology available today. My goal is to create an environment where my patients feel comfortable, informed, and empowered to take control of their oral health. By educating them about their dental conditions and utilizing the latest tools and techniques, I aim to help them lead long, happy lives filled with confident smiles and the ability to enjoy the foods they love.
In pursuing my purpose as a general dentist, I am committed to providing exceptional care, fostering meaningful connections with my patients, and continuously expanding my knowledge and skills. Dentistry is not merely a profession for me; it is a calling that allows me to combine my passion for helping others with my love for artistry and innovation. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients and contribute to the ever-evolving field of dentistry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a general dentist, my primary focus is on building meaningful connections with my patients. I believe that by truly getting to know their lives, concerns, and aspirations, I can deliver personalized dental treatments that address their unique needs. Whether it is restorative procedures, cosmetic enhancements, or TMJ and orofacial pain therapy, the comprehensive range of services I provide is designed to cater to the diverse oral health requirements of my patients.
My practice, Oasis Family Dentistry, will open late December of this year. My team is committed to not only providing top-notch dental treatments but also educating our patients on the importance of optimizing their oral health. We believe that knowledge is power, and by empowering our patients with the information they need, we can help them make informed decisions about their dental care.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Based on my journey, I believe that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have had the most significant impact on my path as a general dentist:
Firstly, my unwavering passion for helping others has been the driving force behind my journey. From a young age, I possessed a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. This passion, coupled with my love for artistry and working with my hands, led me to dentistry as the perfect avenue to fulfill my purpose. It is this genuine desire to help and improve the well-being of my patients that sets me apart and fuels my dedication to delivering exceptional dental care.
Secondly, my ability to connect with my patients on a personal level and truly understand their lives, concerns, and aspirations has been instrumental in building meaningful relationships. By taking the time to establish a personal connection, I can tailor my treatments to meet their unique needs. This patient-centered approach fosters trust and ensures the best possible outcomes. I believe that by building these connections, I can deliver personalized care and make a lasting impact on the oral health and overall well-being of my patients.
Lastly, I recognize the ever-evolving nature of dentistry and the importance of staying at the forefront of advancements in the field. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development to ensure that my patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. By expanding my knowledge and skills, I can provide the highest quality of care and elevate the dental experience for my patients. This commitment to ongoing learning demonstrates my dedication to excellence and my desire to provide the best possible care.
These three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have played a significant role in shaping my journey as a general dentist. They have allowed me to find my purpose, create a patient-centered practice, and strive for excellence in all aspects of my profession. By combining my passion for helping others, my ability to connect with patients, and my commitment to continuous learning, I am poised to make a lasting impact on the oral health and lives of those I serve.
For individuals who are early in their journey and seeking to develop or improve upon the qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge mentioned above, I offer the following advice:
1. Cultivate your passion: Reflect on what truly ignites your passion in dentistry and actively seek opportunities to develop and nurture it.
2. Embrace continuous learning: Stay at the forefront of advancements in the field by pursuing continuing education, attending conferences, and engaging in professional development.
3. Develop strong interpersonal skills: Focus on active listening, empathy, and effective communication to build meaningful connections with patients.
4. Seek mentorship and guidance: Learn from experienced professionals who can provide insights, guidance, and support in your journey.
5. Embrace a growth mindset: Approach challenges as opportunities for growth, be open to feedback, and continuously evaluate and improve yourself.
Remember, the journey in dentistry is a lifelong pursuit of excellence. By cultivating your passion, embracing continuous learning, developing strong interpersonal skills, seeking mentorship, and maintaining a growth mindset, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful and impactful dental professional.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The individuals who have been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success are my parents. As first-generation Korean Americans, they embarked on a courageous journey, moving to America in their mid-thirties without knowing a word of English. Their determination and tireless work ethic served as a constant source of inspiration for me my entire life. Witnessing their relentless pursuit of a better life, despite the obstacles they faced, has shaped my own mindset and approach to challenges.
I am forever grateful to my parents for their unwavering support, resilience, and the invaluable life lessons they have imparted. Their influence has shaped me into the resilient individual I am today, enabling me to overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success in my career as a dentist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @airy.choi
- Other: airychoidmd@gmail.com
- Website: https://
airysfamilydentistry.com/
Image Credits
Adrian Zuniga – drew the cartoon image for the office
