Contact
Positions
Program Director; Associate Professor
- Organization:
- West Virginia University School of Dentistry
- Department:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Classification:
- Faculty
Education
- DDS, University of Toronto, 2004
About Dami Kim
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. At 15, I discovered and became fascinated by the North American education system that was quite different from what Korea offered. I moved to Canada and completed all education including the dental school. I came to the United States for the pediatric residency in the Bronx and and then worked and lived in New Jersey.
Why did you choose to teach students and treat patients at West Virginia University?
I was at a point of career where I needed to challenge myself in an academic field, based on my 10-year private practice experience. I had wished to utilize my practical knowledge in training new residents. WVU dental school has shown eagerness and willingness to count my real-life experience valuable in directing a pediatric residency program. I found the approach of the school bold and original and felt that at WVU, I could work creatively in building and shaping the new program.
What are your goals at the dental school?
The state needs pediatric dentists. In fact, the world needs more pediatric dentists. We are the people who care about emotions and fear of the people entering the dental office. We are the ones that see the people before the oral cavity. We emphasize prevention and education. Hopefully, I can help build the program that becomes a powerhouse to train new pediatric colleagues that promote the oral health with good understanding of and empathy with the communities that they serve.
What is it about oral healthcare that keeps you motivated?
Just like any other health professionals, I get motivated by the sense of helping others and achieving something seemingly difficult or impossible to others. On a personal side, I also have become to appreciate more of the wonders of human anatomy and physiology and how far we have come in modern science to understand them.
What are your hobbies outside of dentistry?
Travel. As much as I can, I would travel to see new places and meet new people. It is beautifully ironic that the more you learn about others, the more you realize that we are all alike.
Additional Info
Dr. Kim is fluent in spoken and written Korean.
Patient Care Information
Medical Specialties
- Pediatric Dentistry
Board Certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Special Training
-
Residency, Pediatric Dental Residency
Jacobi Medical Center, 2009 -
Residency, General Practice Residency
Jacobi Medical Center, 2007
Additional Info
Board Certified
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (2010 - present)
Active Member
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2007 - present)