KDI School alumni Dr. Dong Hyun Kim (2005 MBA, Korea) offers

voluntary scaling service for the KDI School international students.

The Dental hospital was neat and comfortable in its appearance,equipped with various high-end dental equipment. Peaceful classical music came floating out of the doctor’s office, soothing enough to alleviate the anxiety of any dental treatment to follow. Dr. Dong Hyun Kim was fully absorbed in treating his patients, yet his hospitable demeanor could quickly be observed through his jovial appearance and bright smile.

Since graduating from the KDI School in 2007, Dr. Dong Hyun Kim has been working at LAINA Dental Clinic which is located in the central business district of the Kangnam area. The dental facility has approximately eight treatment rooms for a diverse range of dental procedures. It is usually bustling with activity, as was the case on the day of my visit.

Observing from the natural ease with which he went about his duties, one could easily assume that he was meant for this industry. Quite contrary to first impressions however, it turns out that Dr. Kim had his fair share of doubts about becoming a dentist while he was still a student at Yonsei University’s Dental College. He consequently decided to make a shift into the business industry to explore alternative options upon graduation, which is how he came to embark on the KDI School MBA program. He said that his time at the School was a really interesting experience. “ I got a totally new perspective from school life, and every day was new and exciting.” Having satisfied his desire to learn outside the medical sphere, he eventually returned to the dental path to fulfill more practical needs. Upon return, he was quite relieved to realize that working as a dentist was not as incompatible with his character as he had thought. The KDI School experience which had equipped him with various business know-how eventually became a pivotal turning point in his life that allowed him to regain a more positive outlook toward a dental career.

The voluntary dental services were offered from March to July of this year, bringing an average of four to seven international students to his office on a weekly basis. As international students’ medical insurance does not cover dental costs, this grateful opportunity allowed students to be informed of their dental condition and receive appropriate treatment. Being able to provide such a service was also a genuine fulfillment on Dr. Kim’s part as he shared, “It’s a pleasure that I could use my medical techniques for my KDI School fellows.”

With his professional career on stable ground, he will soon be leaving for New York City to further develop his expertise at New York University’s College of Dentistry. Although his voluntary services have come to an end, the generous contribution he made to the international community of the KDI School is sure to have set a meaningful example for many to follow.

By Dong Hee Kim (2009 MBA, Korea)