Convocation spotlight: Dentistry '25 grad Justin Kim

Justin Kim. Photo supplied.

From watching his father care for patients to delivering treatment himself, Justin Kim’s path to dentistry has been shaped by compassion and curiosity. Now, as he graduates, Kim is preparing for a general practice residency where he’ll continue to grow in his profession.

What drew you to this area of study?

I was drawn to dentistry by both my personal experiences and my passion for the health sciences. My father is a dentist, and growing up, I could see the compassion and care he provided for his patients. In my own experiences in university, I wanted to pursue a career that blended my interests in science, fine motor skills and service. Dentistry felt like a great intersection of all three, with each day presenting the chance to make a meaningful impact on someone's life.

What are you most proud of from your time in the program?

One of the moments that will stay with me from the program is when I delivered an immediate complete upper denture to a patient following the extraction of all her remaining maxillary teeth. It was a treatment plan we had carefully discussed and prepared for, but when she looked into the mirror for the first time afterward, she became visibly emotional and was overjoyed by how she looked. She shared that she hadn't felt like herself in years and that she was excited to restore her confidence.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?

Staying motivated wasn't always easy, but the support of my family was the most important factor that kept me grounded and encouraged me to keep my head up high. I was also fortunate to be surrounded by friends and classmates who uplifted each other, professors who genuinely cared about our growth and patients who showed patience and kindness as we learned. It was a team effort, and the sense of community made all the difference.

Did you have any interesting experiences outside of class?

I had the opportunity to volunteer and provide dental work in northern Alberta in a community called Faust. We set up a temporary dental clinic at the community centre and provided dental treatment to those with limited access to care, who often travelled hours just to be seen. It allowed me to appreciate the importance of being resourceful and adaptable and providing care with a heightened sense of empathy and responsibility.

I was also involved in a research project focussed on incidental findings in CBCT imaging used for implant diagnostics with Dr. Camila Pacheco-Pereira. By collaborating with maxillofacial radiologists, oral surgeons and interventional neuroradiologists, we recorded the process of managing a giant aneurysm. This highlighted the critical role of diligence in diagnostics and what ideal interdisciplinary communication looks like in improving patient outcomes.

What advice would you give to students thinking of entering this program?

Dentistry is just as much about people as it is about teeth. Come in with a growth mindset and be ready to learn not just about clinical skills but also about communication and empathy. Be involved in the community, build relationships with mentors, and be prepared to expand your comfort zone. It's a demanding program, but it gives back as much as you put into it.

What comes next for you?

After graduation, I am pursuing a general practice residency at the U of A Hospital and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. I'll be exposed to complex cases including trauma, third molar extractions, dental implants and managing medically compromised patients.