Meet Jinyoung Smith

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jinyoung Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jinyoung below.

Jinyoung, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

My self-discipline comes from growing up poor and always having the drive to change my circumstances. From a young age, I knew that if I wanted a better life, I had to work hard, stay focused, and push through challenges. That mindset has stuck with me—I don’t wait for motivation; I rely on discipline because I’ve seen firsthand what happens when you don’t have a plan or purpose

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I came to the U.S. when I was 12 years old to live with my aunt and uncle. I didn’t speak any English and had to navigate a whole new world through trial and error. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I learned, grew, and never gave up. That experience built the foundation of who I am today—resilient, empathetic, and deeply motivated to help others.

Now, I’m proud to be the owner of Park Hills Dentistry, where I serve my community not just as a dentist, but as someone who truly understands what it means to struggle and strive for a better life. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to use my hands and heart to care for people—especially those who are often overlooked or in need.

I believe dentistry is more than fixing teeth; it’s about restoring confidence, dignity, and health. I feel incredibly fortunate to share my talents and give back to the community that gave me a chance.

We’re also growing—expanding our services and improving our technology to better serve our patients. Whether it’s through outreach, patient education, or simply creating a warm, welcoming space, I want people to know Park Hills Dentistry is more than a clinic—it’s a place of compassion and care.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, grit, and gratitude.

Resilience helped me keep going when things felt impossible—like moving to a new country at 12 without knowing the language. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but the ability to bounce back made all the difference.

Grit kept me focused and disciplined through long years of school and training. I didn’t give up, even when I was tired, behind, or doubting myself. Grit is about showing up every day—even when it’s hard.

Gratitude kept me grounded. It helped me stay connected to my purpose and remember how far I’ve come. Being grateful reminds you of your “why,” and it helps you stay humble and kind, no matter how successful you become.

Advice for others: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Learn from them and keep going. Surround yourself with people who support your growth. And always, always take time to be thankful for how far you’ve come—even when you still have a long way to go.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has had a major impact on my personal and professional growth is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It taught me that success isn’t just about hard work or technical skills—it’s also about how you connect with others.

Some of the most valuable lessons from the book are simple but powerful:

Listen more than you speak. People want to feel heard and understood.

Show genuine interest in others. Relationships, both in business and life, are built on real connection.

Make others feel important—sincerely. Small acts of kindness and respect go a long way.

These skills have helped me in the dental office, with my team, and even at home. They’ve made me a better leader, friend, and communicator—not just at work, but in every part of my life.

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