Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ellen Im.
Dr. Im, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Orange County, California, where I graduated from the University of California, Irvine. I ventured east to attend dental school and received my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Maryland. Following dental school, I married my husband who I met in dental school (who coincidentally also grew up in Orange County, CA) and completed my specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry in Washington D.C. I was Chief Resident in my last year of residency and conducted research that developed a program to improve dental care access to Medicaid patients in the greater D.C. area. Before moving to San Diego to be closer to family, I owned a pediatric dental practice in Arlington, Virginia that was voted #1 by D.C.’s Talk of the Town.
Shortly after moving to San Diego, I purchased an existing pediatric dental practice in Poway and renamed it Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry. I am both blessed and humbled by the rapid growth the practice has experienced since, and consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful team that has the same love for kids as I do. As a mother of three, I understand that choosing the right dentist to care for your child is an important decision which is why I treat every child as if they were my own. My team and I are deeply committed to the well-being of our patients and do everything we can to make every child’s visit a positive and comfortable experience which is why many families from San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties have come to make Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry their child’s dental home.
In addition to being an active member of multiple dental associations, I am also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (board certified) which means in addition to completing two years of specialty training in pediatric dentistry, I have been certified by the ABPD based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, including those with special health care needs.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am truly thankful that the practice has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2014. However, I had to focus on the challenges that came with any business during times of rapid growth, my biggest challenge was increasing my staff without compromising operational quality and efficiency. Applicants not only had to be qualified for the position, but they also had to work well with the existing team and system. This turned out to be trickier than I had anticipated, but by involving my team in the interview and selection process, we were able to create the wonderful team we have now.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry is a private boutique practice specializing in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. At Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to help make every child’s dental care as easy, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. In a pleasant, family-oriented environment, the team partners with parents to protect the promote the dental well-being of their child by focusing on prevention and personalized, quality care.
I am a board certified pediatric dentist who, in addition to completing two years of specialty training following dental school, has been certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry for standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, including those with special health care needs.
Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry offers many treatment options that other pediatric dental practices do not. We provide orthodontic treatment, such as traditional braces and Invisalign, to both children and adults. We also offer safe sedative options in-house such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation or IV sedation with a licensed anesthesiologist (moderate/conscious sedation). In addition to routine procedures, we also perform highly elective procedures such as baby root canals, extractions, frenectomies, and other gum surgeries – all these with state of the art equipment and exceptional quality in care and service.
As a pediatric dental practice, Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry is most proud of our involvement with the community. We regularly offer free oral health presentations and office tours to local elementary schools, participate in community charity events such as Hope for San Diego and clothes drives, and sponsor local youth sports teams. We also participate in summer reading programs and donate goodies to U.S troops stationed overseas through our candy buyback program.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The success of the dental practice is not attributed to just one person, but to the team that runs it. I am only as strong as my team and fortunately for me, I have an amazing team that has helped the practice become what it is today. Families always comment on the friendliness and professionalism of the team. From the front desk to the clinical team, each team member is completely invested and engaged in making it fun and relaxing for all our patients. I certainly don’t say it enough, but I always feel thankful to have such a wonderful team supporting the practice.
My husband has been my greatest support. We met in dental school so he’s been with me every step of the way. Not only has he been a tremendous source of encouragement, but as a former dentist and owner of a dental practice, he has also been both a fantastic coach and colleague. I truly appreciate and am empowered by all the love and support he has shown and still continues to show.
Pricing:
- $99 New Patient Special (includes comprehensive dental exam, cleaning, X-rays, and fluoride treament)…a $350 value
- $500 off Invisalign treatment for children and adults
Contact Info:
- Address: 13422 Pomerado Road, Suite 201
Poway, CA 92064 - Website: www.drellenimpediatricdentistry.com
- Phone: (858)679-6660
- Email: kidsdentalcare143@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drellenimpediatricdentistry
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ellen-im-dds-poway-3?osq=dr.+ellen+im+pediatric+dentistry
- Other: https://plus.google.com/+DrEllenImPediatricDentistryPoway
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
