Hidden Gems: Meet Julia Kang of Tribute Family Dentistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Kang.

Hi Julia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into dentistry started long before I ever stepped into a dental office. I grew up training as a classical pianist and spent years studying music at Seoul Arts Academy. That experience taught me discipline, precision, and how to turn a long-term vision into reality. Those same principles guide how I practice dentistry today. Every smile is built with intention, patience, and care.

During my senior year of high school, I realized I wanted a profession that allowed me to work closely with people and make a lasting impact on their lives. Dentistry, and later orthodontics, felt like the perfect balance of science and artistry. Helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles became a calling, not just a career choice.

I earned my first dental degree from Seoul National University, one of the most respected dental schools in South Korea. After completing an externship at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, I continued my education in the United States and received my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Boston University, graduating at the top of my class. I was honored to be inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society that recognizes academic excellence, ethics, and leadership potential.

Following dental school, I practiced general dentistry in Massachusetts and Florida before completing my specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics. During residency, I was exposed to a wide range of complex clinical cases and was later recognized as a finalist for the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics Resident of the Year Award. These experiences shaped my approach to careful diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and ethical patient care.

After relocating to Texas, my husband, Dr. Kevin Baharvand, and I opened Elate Orthodontics and later Tribute Family Dentistry. We saw a growing need for a family dental practice that felt personal, transparent, and rooted in long-term relationships. Many families were receiving fragmented care or feeling rushed through important decisions. We wanted to create something different.

At Tribute Family Dentistry in Frisco, I focus on comprehensive, preventive, and family-centered dental care. I believe patients deserve clear explanations, honest recommendations, and treatment plans that respect both their health and their budget. I take pride in serving children, teens, adults, and parents in one trusted dental home, and in building relationships that last for years.

As an orthodontist, a mother of three, and an active member of the community, trust matters deeply to me. I care for patients the same way I care for my own family. My goal has always been to combine clinical excellence with compassion, education, and integrity. Tribute Family Dentistry is a reflection of that commitment, and I am grateful every day to serve families throughout Frisco and the surrounding communities.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Building a practice while also raising a family brings a unique set of challenges that go far beyond clinical work. I have worn many hats at the same time as a doctor, business owner, wife, and mom of three young children, and learning how to balance those roles has been one of the hardest parts of the journey.

Early on, I underestimated how demanding practice ownership would be outside the operatory. Patient care never stops at the end of the day, and neither do responsibilities like staffing, finances, systems, and long-term planning. At the same time, I was navigating pregnancy, motherhood, school schedules, and the emotional weight that comes with wanting to be fully present at home. There were moments when it felt like I was being pulled in every direction.

Another challenge was choosing not to take the easier path. Dentistry is increasingly moving toward large corporate models that prioritize volume and speed. Staying family-owned and patient-focused meant growing intentionally, even when it required more time, effort, and personal sacrifice. It also meant setting boundaries and learning that saying no is sometimes necessary to protect both family and patient care.

Balancing work and family forced me to become more efficient, more thoughtful, and more grounded in my values. I learned how to build strong teams, trust others, and design systems that support quality care without burning out. Most importantly, it reminded me why I practice the way I do. As a mother, I think constantly about the kind of care I would want for my own children.

Those challenges shaped me into a better doctor and a better leader. They taught me that success is not just about growth, but about sustainability, integrity, and showing up fully for both my patients and my family.

As you know, we’re big fans of Tribute Family Dentistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tribute Family Dentistry is a family-owned dental practice in Frisco, TX built around long-term relationships and thoughtful care. We care for children, teens, adults, and parents all under one roof, which allows families to stay with a team they trust as their needs change over time. Our focus is on comprehensive and preventive dentistry, with an emphasis on education, comfort, and honest recommendations.

What sets us apart is how intentionally we practice. We take the time to listen, explain options clearly, and create treatment plans that make sense medically and financially. We are known for being transparent and patient-centered, not rushed or driven by volume. Every recommendation is made with long-term oral health in mind, not short-term production goals.

Our practice is led by experienced doctors with strong academic and clinical backgrounds, and we work closely with our orthodontic sister practice, Elate Orthodontics. This collaboration allows us to provide continuity of care and coordinated treatment planning, especially for growing kids and teens. Families appreciate that they can receive high-quality general and orthodontic care within a connected, trusted network.

Brand-wise, I am most proud that Tribute Family Dentistry feels personal. Patients know our team, our doctors know their patients by name, and trust is built over time. As a mother, I am especially proud of the environment we have created for children. First dental visits are calm, positive, and educational, which sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.

I want readers to know that Tribute Family Dentistry is not a corporate office and never will be. We are deeply rooted in the Frisco community, and we treat every patient the way we would want our own family treated. Our goal is simple: provide excellent, ethical dental care in a setting where patients feel comfortable, respected, and confident in the care they receive.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, absolutely. I am very intentional about the resources I use, especially because I balance clinical work, business ownership, and family life.

At work, I rely heavily on continuing education and peer-driven learning rather than trends or shortcuts. I regularly read clinical journals and evidence-based dental publications to stay current and grounded in best practices. I also value leadership and organizational books that focus on building strong systems and healthy teams. One book that really influenced how I think about leadership and culture is Good to Great by Jim Collins. It reinforced the importance of disciplined decision-making and long-term thinking, which is essential in healthcare.

For personal growth and balance, my faith plays a major role. Being part of a church community and having time for reflection helps keep my priorities clear, especially during busy seasons. As a working mother, I have learned that mental clarity and values matter just as much as productivity.

I also use simple tools and apps that support organization and efficiency rather than overwhelm. Calendar blocking, task management apps, and secure clinical software help me stay focused so I can be fully present with patients during the day and with my family in the evenings.

More than any single app or podcast, I believe in surrounding myself with the right people. Trusted mentors, colleagues, and a strong team allow me to grow professionally while maintaining balance at home. Those relationships, combined with lifelong learning, are what truly help me do my best both at work and in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dentistfriscotx.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tributedentistry/?hl=en